Historical Marker

Fort Recovery Civil War Veterans Memorial

Historical marker location:
304 Boundary Street, Fort Recovery, Ohio
( Memorial is on East Boundary Street east of Elm Street (Ohio Route 49), on the right when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 1935

  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, which forms the state's southern border, played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by African American slaves to escape to freedom in the North before the Civil War.
Ohio random facts
Mercer County, Ohio, located in the western part of the state, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Miami peoples, who were later displaced by the arrival of European settlers.

In the early 1800s, the land that is now Mercer County was part of the Northwest Territory, which was ceded by Native American tribes to the United States government. The region was then opened for settlement and attracted pioneers looking for fertile farmland. Many settlers came from neighboring states, including Pennsylvania and Kentucky.

The county was officially established on April 1, 1820, and was named after Hugh Mercer, a renowned Revolutionary War general. As more settlers arrived, the county's population grew rapidly. Agriculture became the backbone of the local economy, with farmers cultivating crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans. With the construction of the Miami and Erie Canal in the early 1840s, Mercer County became a hub for transportation, as goods were transported to and from neighboring cities.

During the Civil War, Mercer County sent numerous soldiers to fight for the Union Army. The county experienced economic growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the development of industries such as manufacturing, quarrying, and oil production. The county's largest city, Celina, also became a popular tourist destination due to its location on Grand Lake St. Marys, one of the largest man-made lakes in Ohio.

Today, Mercer County continues to thrive as a predominantly agricultural community with a diverse economy. Its rich history is preserved through museums, historic sites, and community events that celebrate the county's heritage.

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

  • 1815 - Mercer County is established
  • 1824 - First white settlers arrive in the county
  • 1832 - Mercer County becomes part of the newly formed state of Ohio
  • 1833 - Celina, the county seat, is laid out
  • 1848 - Mercer County's population reaches 2,619
  • 1850 - The Miami and Erie Canal reaches Celina, facilitating trade and transportation
  • 1861-1865 - Mercer County residents serve in the American Civil War
  • 1881 - Construction of the Lake Erie and Western Railroad begins
  • 1896 - The Ohio State Legislature authorizes the construction of a new courthouse in Celina
  • 1913 - A devastating flood damages much of the county
  • 1920s - Mercer County experiences an economic boom due to oil and gas discoveries
  • 1954 - Grand Lake St. Marys State Park is established
  • 1990 - Mercer County's population exceeds 40,000
  • 2007 - The largest man-made lake in Ohio, Grand Lake St. Marys, is designated as a state park