Historical Marker

Hardin County Ohio Civil War Soldier Monument

Historical marker location:
15906 OH-309, Kenton, Ohio
( Memorial can be reached from the intersection of Ohio Route 309 and Jacob Parrot Road (County Route 171), on the left when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 1900

GAR and WRC

  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 River Valley was home to several Native American cultures before European settlement, including the Adena and Hopewell cultures. These cultures left behind many burial mounds and other archaeological sites that are now protected and preserved by the state of Ohio.
Ohio random facts
Hardin County, Ohio has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Wyandot and Shawnee, who utilized the land for hunting and gathering. In the 1800s, European settlers began to arrive, and the county was officially established in 1820. The name "Hardin" was chosen in honor of John Hardin, a soldier who fought in the American Revolutionary War.

The early years of Hardin County were marked by rapid growth and development. The discovery of natural resources, such as rich fertile soil and limestone deposits, attracted settlers who established farms and constructed mills along the Blanchard River. The county's first permanent settlement was founded in 1817, and by the mid-1800s, several towns had emerged, including Kenton, the county seat.

Hardin County played a significant role in the Underground Railroad during the mid-19th century. Many abolitionists lived in the area and worked tirelessly to help enslaved individuals escape to freedom. The county's geographical location, situated between the Ohio River and Canada, made it a vital stop on the journey to freedom for countless fugitive slaves.

In the 20th century, Hardin County experienced further growth and industrialization. The discovery of oil and natural gas reserves led to the establishment of oil wells and petroleum refineries, which brought economic prosperity to the region. Today, Hardin County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, agriculture, and service industries. The county's rich history is honored through museums, historic landmarks, and a strong sense of community pride.

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

  • 1833 - Hardin County was established on April 1, 1833.
  • 1834 - The first county seat was designated as Kenton.
  • 1835 - The first courthouse, a log building, was constructed in Kenton.
  • 1853 - The current courthouse, a Greek Revival style structure, was built in Kenton.
  • 1881 - Ohio Northern University was founded in Ada.
  • 1883 - The first railroad reached Hardin County, connecting Kenton to the rail network.
  • 1950s - Agriculture became a major economic driver in the county.
  • 1990s - The county experienced growth in manufacturing and retail sectors.