Historical Marker

Swanton Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
624 S Main St., Swanton, Ohio
( Memorial is at the intersection of South Main Street (County Route 1-1) and Academy Drive, on the right when traveling south on South Main Street.)
Marker installed: 1960

Spanish American, WW I, WWII and Korea

  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 played a key role in the development of the modern steel industry. Andrew Carnegie, one of the most famous industrialists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, started his career in the steel industry in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but his first major investment was in a steel mill in Braddock, Ohio.
Ohio random facts
Fulton County, Ohio has a rich and diverse history that spans over two centuries. The area that is now Fulton County was first settled by Native American tribes, including the Wyandot, Ottawa, and Potawatomi. European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, with the first permanent settlement being established in 1820 by Homesteaders from New York.

The county was officially established on April 1, 1850, and named after inventor Robert Fulton, famous for his development of the steamboat. In its early years, Fulton County was primarily an agricultural community, with farming playing a crucial role in the local economy. Crops such as wheat, corn, and oats were grown, and livestock farming also became an important industry.

As transportation infrastructure improved, Fulton County began to experience industrial growth. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century allowed for easier transportation of goods, leading to the establishment of various factories and industries. The county became a hub for manufacturing, including steel, furniture, and agricultural implements. This industrial growth brought more jobs and economic prosperity to the area.

Throughout its history, Fulton County has faced challenges and experienced moments of growth and change. It has weathered economic downturns and adapted to societal changes. Today, Fulton County continues to be an agricultural community while also embracing modern industries and technologies. With its scenic landscapes, small-town communities, and rich historical heritage, Fulton County remains a valued part of Ohio's history.

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

  • 1817 - Fulton County was established by an act of the Ohio Legislature.
  • 1820 - The first settler, Charles Jewett, arrived in the area.
  • 1836 - The first post office was established in the county's largest town, Wauseon.
  • 1850 - The county's population reached 2,849 people.
  • 1854 - Wauseon was officially incorporated as a village.
  • 1870 - The population of the county grew to 10,195.
  • 1880 - The first railroad, the Wabash Railroad, was built in the county.
  • 1888 - Wauseon became a city.
  • 1914 - The county's largest and oldest annual fair, the Fulton County Fair, was established.
  • 1920 - The first concrete road in Ohio was built in the county.
  • 1950 - The population of Fulton County reached 20,466.