Historical Marker

Clinton County Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
297 W Truesdell St., Wilmington, Ohio
( Memorial can be reached from W Truesdell St (Ohio Route 730), on the left when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 1927

  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.
The Great Serpent Mound, located in Adams County, Ohio, is a prehistoric effigy mound in the shape of a serpent that is more than 1,300 feet long. It is one of the largest effigy mounds in the world and is estimated to have been built by the Adena culture more than 1,000 years ago.
Ohio random facts
Clinton County, Ohio, located in the southwestern part of the state, has a rich and varied history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Miami, until the late 1700s when European settlers began to arrive. The county was officially established on March 1, 1810, named in honor of DeWitt Clinton, a prominent political figure of that time.

In its early years, agriculture played a crucial role in the county's economy. Farming was a primary occupation for many residents, with crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco being grown. The construction of the Whitewater Canal in the mid 1800s also brought economic opportunities by connecting the county to major markets and facilitating trade.

During the Civil War, Clinton County had significant contributions to both the Union and Confederate causes. The county provided numerous soldiers to fight in the war, with notable units such as the 79th Ohio Volunteer Infantry and the 18th Ohio Independent Battery being formed here. However, the county also had sympathizers with the Confederate cause, and several men from the area joined the Southern army.

In the 20th century, Clinton County experienced various economic shifts. The introduction of industrialization brought new opportunities, with companies such as the banana importers Chiquita Brands establishing a presence in the county. However, the region also faced challenges, including economic recessions and the closure of major employers like the DHL cargo hub in 2009. Despite these setbacks, the county has shown resilience and a strong sense of community.

Today, Clinton County is known for its agricultural heritage, picturesque countryside, and contributions to aviation. The county is home to the Wilmington Air Park, a significant cargo and logistics hub, and the Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services, a major aircraft maintenance facility. Additionally, the county boasts various outdoor recreational opportunities, historical landmarks, and a tight-knit community that continues to shape its history.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Clinton County, Ohio.

  • 1810: Clinton County officially established
  • 1830: Construction of the county courthouse
  • 1862: Battle of Liberty Place during the American Civil War
  • 1878: Completion of the Cincinnati, Jackson and Mackinaw Railroad
  • 1943: Clinton County Air Force Base established
  • 1952: Record-breaking tornado hits Xenia, a city in Clinton County
  • 2001: Clinton County experiences an economic downturn due to job losses
  • 2016: Wilmington Air Park sees economic growth with new businesses