Civil War
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 1816, Jackson County was officially established and named after President Andrew Jackson. The county quickly became known for its agricultural activities, with settlers cultivating crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco. The Ohio and Erie Canal, completed in 1832, further contributed to the county's development by opening up transportation routes and facilitating trade and commerce.
The mid-19th century marked a period of rapid growth for Jackson County, driven by the discovery of rich coal and iron ore deposits. This led to the establishment of numerous coal mines and iron furnaces, which attracted both immigrant workers and industrial investors to the region. The county became a major supplier of coal and iron, fueling the growth of the local economy and establishing Jackson County as an industrial hub.
In the early 20th century, the county faced several challenges, including the decline of the coal and iron industries and the effects of the Great Depression. However, Jackson County remained resilient, adapting to changing circumstances and diversifying its economy. Today, the county's economy is primarily driven by manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism, with the serene and picturesque setting of the Appalachian foothills attracting visitors from near and far.
Jackson County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Jackson County, Ohio.
- 1795 - Jackson County is established in the Northwest Territory.
- 1816 - The first permanent settlements are established in what is now Jackson County.
- 1838 - Jackson County becomes part of the newly formed state of Ohio.
- 1846 - The county seat is established in the town of Jackson.
- 1876 - The first railroad is completed in Jackson County.
- 1913 - The Great Dayton Flood affects parts of Jackson County.
- 1954 - Jackson County Fairgrounds is established.
- 1966 - The Buckeye Furnace Historical Site is opened as a museum.
- 1997 - The Little Cities of Black Diamonds microregion is designated as a National Historic District.