Historical Marker

Hartford Village Civil War Column

Historical marker location:
2 High Street, Croton Post Office, Ohio
( Memorial is at the intersection of North High Street (County Route 3) and South Park Street (County Route 2), on the right when traveling north on North High Street.)

Marble Obelisk on the Village Green

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of Ohio.
The Great Serpent Mound, located in Adams County, Ohio, is a prehistoric effigy mound in the shape of a serpent that is more than 1,300 feet long. It is one of the largest effigy mounds in the world and is estimated to have been built by the Adena culture more than 1,000 years ago.
Ohio random facts
Licking County, Ohio has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware, who relied on the abundant natural resources for their livelihood. In the late 1700s, European settlers began moving into the area, following the signing of the Treaty of Greenville with the Native Americans. Licking County was officially established in 1808 and named after the Licking River, which flows through the region.

During the 19th century, Licking County experienced significant growth and development. The town of Newark, located in the heart of the county, became an important center of trade and industry. It was here that the Ohio and Erie Canal was constructed, connecting the region to the Great Lakes and opening up new opportunities for commerce. The canal brought a surge of economic activity to Licking County and allowed for the transportation of goods like coal, limestone, and agricultural products.

Licking County also played a vital role in Ohio's abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad. Many residents were active in assisting runaway slaves as they made their way north to freedom. Prominent abolitionists, such as Thomas Leonard, John Rankin, and the Johnson brothers, used their homes as safe havens and organized networks to aid escaped slaves. Licking County was a stronghold of the anti-slavery movement in the region.

In the 20th century, Licking County continued to evolve and adapt to new economic and social changes. The development of transportation infrastructure, such as the construction of highways and the expansion of railroads, further connected the county to the rest of the state and the nation. Today, Licking County is known for its vibrant communities, historical landmarks, and thriving agricultural industry. It remains an important hub of cultural and economic activity in central Ohio.

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

  • 1808: Licking County is founded and established by the Ohio General Assembly.
  • 1825: The Ohio and Erie Canal opens, connecting Licking County to the Ohio River and stimulating economic growth.
  • 1837: The town of Newark is incorporated and becomes the county seat of Licking County.
  • 1889: Denison University, a private liberal arts college, is founded in Granville.
  • 1909: The Newark Earthworks, a complex of ancient Native American earthworks, is designated a National Historic Landmark.
  • 1919: The Longaberger Basket Company is founded in Dresden and becomes a prominent local employer.
  • 1939: The Works Progress Administration constructs a dam on the Licking River, creating Buckeye Lake, a popular recreational area.
  • 1951: The Central Ohio Technical College is established in Newark.
  • 1983: Licking County Symphony Orchestra gives its first performance, enriching the cultural scene in the area.
  • 2004: The Licking County Courthouse, built in 1876, undergoes extensive renovation and restoration.