Historical Marker

Morrow County Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Mount Gilead, Ohio
( Memorial is on East Marion Street near 201 E Marion St, on the right when traveling east.)

GAR Monument in Mount Gilead

  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
Morrow County, Ohio, located in the north central part of the state, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Delaware and Wyandot, who lived off the land and utilized the resources of the region. European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, establishing the town of Mount Gilead in 1803.

In its early days, Morrow County was primarily an agricultural community, with farmers cultivating the fertile soil for crops and raising livestock. The construction of the railroad in the mid-19th century brought new opportunities for trade and contributed to the county's growth. The establishment of rail lines connected Mount Gilead and surrounding communities, boosting the local economy and encouraging industrial development.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Morrow County experienced a boom in coal mining. The discovery of vast coal reserves led to the opening of numerous mines, attracting workers from across the region. This influx of residents brought increased prosperity and a need for infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals, to support the growing population.

In more recent years, Morrow County has seen a shift in its economic focus. The decline of the coal industry and advancements in agriculture technology have led to a stronger emphasis on farming and agribusiness. The county is now known for its corn, soybean, and wheat production, as well as its dairy farms. Today, Morrow County continues to thrive as a rural community, preserving its historical roots while embracing modern advancements.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Morrow County, Ohio.

  • 1813: Morrow County is established and named after Jeremiah Morrow, the ninth Governor of Ohio.
  • 1814: The first settlers begin to arrive in Morrow County.
  • 1848: The Ohio and Erie Canal is completed, providing a significant transportation route through the county.
  • 1850: The population of Morrow County reaches over 7,000 residents.
  • 1861-1865: Morrow County residents join in the American Civil War and fight for the Union.
  • 1874: The county seat is moved from Mount Gilead to a more central location in the town of Cardington.
  • 1890: The population of Morrow County reaches its peak at over 17,000 residents.
  • 1929-1945: The Great Depression and World War II impact the county, causing economic hardships and military service.
  • 1950s-1960s: Agriculture becomes a prominent industry in Morrow County.
  • 1990s: Industrial and commercial growth accelerates in the county.