Historical Marker

Darke County Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
200 West St, Greenville, Ohio
( Memorial can be reached from the intersection of West Street and Union Street, on the right when traveling south.)
Marker installed: 1903

  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.

Ohio was the site of a major oil boom in the late 19th century, with oil wells producing millions of barrels of oil per year. The town of Lima, Ohio, became known as the "little giant of the oil industry" because of the large number of oil companies headquartered there.
Ohio random facts
Darke County, Ohio has a rich history that dates back to the Native American tribes that originally inhabited the area. The Shawnee and Miami tribes were the main inhabitants of the region until the late 1700s when European settlers began to arrive. The Treaty of Greenville in 1795 between the United States and several Native American tribes opened up the area for settlement.

In 1809, Darke County was officially established and named after General William Darke, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The county quickly began to attract settlers due to its fertile land and proximity to important trade routes. Agriculture soon became the dominant industry, with crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco being grown in abundance.

Throughout the 19th century, Darke County saw steady growth, with towns and villages popping up across the region. The Miami & Erie Canal, completed in the 1840s, provided a crucial transportation route for both goods and people, further fueling development. The county also played a significant role in the Ohio Underground Railroad, helping escaped slaves travel north to freedom.

The early 20th century brought further advancements and changes to Darke County. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s facilitated trade and allowed for the transportation of goods to larger markets. Industrialization began to take hold, with factories and manufacturing plants being established. Today, Darke County is a thriving community with diverse industries, vibrant agriculture, and a strong sense of history and tradition.

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

  • 1809 - Darke County is established on March 1, 1809
  • 1811 - The first permanent settlement is established at Greenville
  • 1814 - Battle of Fallen Timbers takes place in the county, leading to Native American land cessions
  • 1817 - The Ohio-Erie Canal is authorized, but construction does not begin in Darke County until 1836
  • 1829 - The county's first newspaper, The Darke County Republican, is published in Greenville
  • 1853 - The first railroad, the Dayton and Union Railroad, is completed in the county, connecting Greenville to Dayton
  • 1860s - Darke County supports the Union during the American Civil War
  • 1874 - The county courthouse in Greenville is completed
  • 1897 - Westerfield College, an institution of higher learning, opens in Greenville
  • 1900s - The county experiences agricultural prosperity, with grain, livestock, and dairy farming as main industries
  • 1920s - The Great Depression causes economic hardships in Darke County, with many businesses and farms closing
  • 1950s - Manufacturing industries begin to thrive in the county, providing new job opportunities
  • 1970s - The Darke County Park District is established, focusing on preserving natural areas and providing recreational activities
  • 1990s - The county experiences population growth and urban development, particularly in the southern areas