Historical Marker

Hampson Post No. 499 G.A.R. Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
6170 Royalton Road, North Royalton, Ohio
( Marker is on Royalton Road (Ohio Route 82), on the left when traveling east.)

Veterans Memorial

  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 Wright brothers, who invented and flew the first successful airplane, were from Dayton, Ohio. The city is now home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Ohio random facts
Cuyahoga County, located in northeastern Ohio, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Erie, Ottawa, Seneca, and Wyandot. The first European explorers arrived in the late 17th century, with the French establishing trading posts along the Cuyahoga River.

In the late 18th century, the area became part of the Northwest Territory and was eventually settled by New Englanders. Cleveland, the county seat, was founded in 1796 and quickly grew with the opening of the Ohio and Erie Canal in 1827, connecting Lake Erie with the Ohio River. The canal played a significant role in the county's economic development, facilitating the transportation of goods and encouraging further settlement.

During the mid-19th century, Cuyahoga County, like much of Ohio, experienced rapid industrialization. The region became a major center for manufacturing and trade, particularly in the steel, iron, and oil industries. This period of growth led to the rise of several influential industrialists, including John D. Rockefeller, whose Standard Oil Company had its headquarters in Cleveland.

In the 20th century, Cuyahoga County faced economic challenges as manufacturing declined. However, the county remained an important cultural and educational center, home to prestigious institutions such as Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Museum of Art. Additionally, Cuyahoga County played a significant role in the civil rights movement, with Cleveland becoming an important site for activism and organizing efforts.

Today, Cuyahoga County continues to be a center for healthcare, finance, and technology. It is also known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, with attractions like the Cleveland Orchestra and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drawing visitors from all over the world. The county's history, from its Native American origins to its role in the industrial revolution, has shaped it into the diverse and dynamic region it is today.

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

  • 1807: Cuyahoga County is established by the Ohio General Assembly.
  • 1810: Cleveland is incorporated as a village in Cuyahoga County.
  • 1831: The Ohio and Erie Canal reaches Cleveland, stimulating trade and growth.
  • 1842: Cuyahoga County Courthouse is constructed in Cleveland.
  • 1878: Cleveland becomes a city and Cuyahoga County's population booms.
  • 1929: The Cuyahoga River catches fire due to pollution, leading to increased environmental awareness.
  • 1967: The Cuyahoga River catches fire again, prompting the Clean Water Act and environmental reforms.
  • 1978: The Cuyahoga County Public Library system is formed.
  • 1992: Cleveland becomes the first American city to host the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
  • 2016: The Cleveland Cavaliers win their first NBA Championship.