Historical Marker

Franklin County Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Columbus, Ohio
Marker installed: 1890

  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.

The Ohio State Reformatory, located in Mansfield, Ohio, is a famous prison that has been featured in several movies, including "The Shawshank Redemption." It was built in 1886 and operated until 1990.
Ohio random facts
Franklin County, located in central Ohio, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was once inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Shawnee and Wyandot tribes, who were later displaced by European settlement. The first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, and the county was organized in 1803 as part of the Northwest Territory.

In its early years, Franklin County played a significant role in the development of Ohio. It served as the state capital when Ohio became a state in 1803 until 1816. The County's central location made it an ideal hub for trade and commerce, and its proximity to transportation routes, such as the National Road and later the railroads, further solidified its importance.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Franklin County experienced significant growth and urbanization. The population expanded rapidly, particularly in the city of Columbus, which became the county seat. Columbus became a major center for industry, education, and government. The Statehouse, which was completed in the late 19th century, stands as a symbol of the county's role as the state capital.

Franklin County has also been instrumental in shaping American politics. It served as a political battleground during the Civil War and has remained an important region for political activity ever since. Today, Franklin County continues to grow and thrive as a vibrant community filled with diverse industries, cultural attractions, and a strong focus on education and research.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Franklin County, Ohio.

  • 1803: Franklin County is established on April 30.
  • 1808: The Ohio Statehouse construction begins.
  • 1812: The first issue of the "Ohio Monitor" newspaper is published.
  • 1816: The Columbus Dispatch newspaper is established.
  • 1834: The Ohio State Archives is founded.
  • 1837: The Ohio Statehouse construction is completed.
  • 1851: The National Road reaches Columbus.
  • 1862: The Camp Chase Confederate prison opens.
  • 1873: The Franklin County Courthouse construction is completed.
  • 1899: The Columbus Metropolitan Library is established.
  • 1916: The Ohio Theatre opens in Columbus.
  • 1950: The population of Franklin County exceeds half a million.
  • 1964: The Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds is created.
  • 1974: The Franklin County Veterans Memorial is dedicated.
  • 2012: The Columbus Clippers win the Triple-A baseball championship.