Historical Marker

Decatur Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
10237 Main St, Decatur, Ohio
( Memorial is at the intersection of Main Street (Ohio Route 125) and Eagle Street, on the left when traveling west on Main Street.)
Marker installed: 1908

  A brief timeline of the Civil War

  • April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.

  • April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.

  • May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.

  • September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.

  • January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.

  • July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.

  • November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.

  • April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.

  • April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

  • May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.

  • December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.

While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.

Audiobooks about the history of Ohio.
Ohio was a key battleground state in the 2004 presidential election, with the outcome ultimately decided by a margin of just over 118,000 votes.
Ohio random facts
Brown County, Ohio, located in the southwestern part of the state, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was first settled by European pioneers in the late 1700s, with many of them coming from Pennsylvania and Kentucky. The county was named after General Jacob Brown, a hero of the War of 1812.

In its early years, Brown County was primarily an agricultural community, with farming and livestock raising being the main sources of income for its residents. The county's fertile soil and favorable climate made it ideal for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco. As the years went by, industries such as timber, coal, and iron also played a significant role in the county's economic growth.

One of the notable events in Brown County's history was the construction of the Ohio River Railroad in the mid-1800s. This railroad connected the county to major cities such as Cincinnati and helped facilitate trade and transportation, further boosting the local economy. The railroad also brought more settlers to the county, leading to an increase in population and the establishment of new businesses.

Throughout the years, Brown County has faced its fair share of challenges, including the Great Depression and declining population in the mid-20th century. However, the county has shown resilience and adaptability, embracing new industries such as tourism and manufacturing. Today, Brown County is known for its scenic landscapes, outdoor recreation, and vibrant local culture, making it a popular destination for visitors from near and far.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Brown County, Ohio.

  • 1797 - Brown County is founded and named after Major General Jacob Brown, a hero of the War of 1812.
  • 1800 - The first settlers begin to arrive in the area.
  • 1801 - The county seat is established in Georgetown.
  • 1820 - The Ohio River becomes an important transportation route for trade and commerce.
  • 1823 - The first courthouse is built in Georgetown.
  • 1828 - Brown County experiences a population boom due to its fertile soil and proximity to the river.
  • 1839 - The village of Ripley becomes an important station on the Underground Railroad.
  • 1870 - The county experiences significant industrial growth with the construction of railroads.
  • 1927 - The current Brown County Courthouse is built in Georgetown.
  • 1967 - The Ohio River floods, causing widespread damage in the county.
  • 1997 - Brown County celebrates its 200th anniversary.