Camp Dennison Civil War Museum
Historical marker location: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.
In 1790, Hamilton County was officially organized, named after Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States and the first Secretary of the Treasury. Cincinnati, the county seat, was quickly established as a bustling town and became an important trading hub due to its location on the Ohio River. The region prospered throughout the 19th century, fueled by the growth of the steamboat industry and the expansion of canals and railroads.
During the Civil War, Hamilton County played a significant role as a major recruiting and training ground for Union soldiers. The area experienced economic growth during this time, as factories producing war-related goods saw increased demand. In the early 20th century, industries such as manufacturing, steel, and Procter & Gamble's consumer products further propelled the county's development.
Hamilton County has also faced challenges throughout its history. In the mid-20th century, urban decline and suburbanization led to economic challenges and population loss in some parts of the county. However, efforts have been made to revitalize urban areas and preserve historic sites, leading to renewed interest in the county's past.
Today, Hamilton County is a vibrant and diverse community, with a mix of urban and suburban areas. It is known for its cultural attractions, including the Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati Art Museum, and the iconic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. The county continues to grow and adapt, preserving its history while embracing new opportunities for progress and development.
Hamilton County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Hamilton County, Ohio.
- 1790: Hamilton County was established on January 2.
- 1803: The first courthouse was built in Cincinnati.
- 1808: The city of Cincinnati was incorporated as a town on January 1.
- 1819: The Cincinnati Observatory, the oldest professional observatory in the United States, was founded.
- 1820: The population of Hamilton County reached 16,230.
- 1828: The Cincinnati Public Library was established as the Young Men's Mercantile Library Association.
- 1850: The population of Hamilton County reached 145,534.
- 1884: The Cincinnati Reds, one of the oldest professional baseball teams in the United States, was founded.
- 1912: Music Hall, a historic concert venue, was opened in Cincinnati.
- 1920: The population of Hamilton County reached 540,153.
- 1963: The Cincinnati Reds won the World Series.
- 2001: Paul Brown Stadium, home to the Cincinnati Bengals, opened.