Historical Marker

Guernsey Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Cambridge, Ohio
( Marker is at the intersection of Wheeling Avenue (U.S. 40) and South 8th Street a.k.a. Southgate Parkway (Ohio Route 209), on the right when traveling west on Wheeling Avenue.)
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.

The city of Akron, Ohio, was once known as the "Rubber Capital of the World" because of its thriving rubber industry. Companies like Goodyear, Firestone, and General Tire all had headquarters in Akron at one point.
Ohio random facts
Guernsey County, Ohio has a rich history that dates back to its early settlement in the late 18th century. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Shawnee and Delaware, the area first saw European settlement in the late 1700s by pioneers from Pennsylvania and Virginia. In 1806, Guernsey County was officially established, named after the English Channel Island of Guernsey.

During the early 19th century, Guernsey County experienced rapid growth and development. It became an important transportation hub with the construction of the National Road, a major east-west route that passed through the county. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s further accelerated the county's growth, allowing for increased trade and commerce.

Guernsey County played a significant role during the American Civil War. Many local men served in the Union Army, while the county itself provided valuable resources to the war effort. The county also witnessed the infamous Morgan's Raid in 1863, when Confederate General John Hunt Morgan led his troops through the area, causing destruction and chaos.

In the following decades, Guernsey County continued to grow and develop economically. The discovery of coal and natural gas reserves in the late 19th century led to a boom in mining and industrial activities. The county became a major producer of coal, oil, and natural gas, contributing to its economic prosperity.

Today, Guernsey County is a blend of its rich history and modern developments. It is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, historic sites, and diverse economy. The county's history serves as a reminder of its past achievements and the resilience of its residents.

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

  • 1808 - Guernsey County, Ohio was established on March 1, 1808.
  • 1810 - The first courthouse was built in Cambridge, the county seat.
  • 1812 - The War of 1812 began, and Guernsey County residents joined in the fight.
  • 1818 - A new courthouse was constructed in Cambridge to replace the old one.
  • 1828 - The National Road reached Guernsey County, bringing increased trade and travel.
  • 1851 - The first railroad, the Central Ohio Railroad, was completed in the county.
  • 1861-1865 - Guernsey County sent soldiers to fight in the American Civil War.
  • 1895 - The Tingle Manufacturing Company, a prominent glass manufacturer, was established in Cambridge.
  • 1922 - The Guernsey County Sales Pavilion, a livestock auction facility, was built in Cambridge.
  • 1959 - Salt Fork State Park, the largest state park in Ohio, was established in Guernsey County.
  • 1960s-1970s - The construction of I-77 and I-70 highways brought improved transportation to the county.
  • 1986 - The Dickens Victorian Village was created in downtown Cambridge, attracting tourists during the holiday season.
  • 2003 - The Cambridge Glass Museum opened, showcasing the history of the glass industry in the region.