Historical Marker

Johnson's Island Civil War Prison and Fort Site

Historical marker location:
Johnson's Island, Ohio
( Marker is at the intersection of Johnson's Island Causeway and Memorial Shoreway Drive, on the left when traveling south on Johnson's Island Causeway.)
Marker installed: 1990

  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 Cincinnati Reds, one of Ohio's two Major League Baseball teams (along with the Cleveland Indians), were the first professional baseball team to wear uniforms with numbers on them. They did so in 1911, to help fans identify players more easily.
Ohio random facts
Ottawa County, located in the state of Ohio, has a rich and varied history. The county was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ottawa, Miami, and Wyandot peoples. European exploration and settlement began in the late 18th century, when British and French traders established contact with the Native Americans in the area.

In 1831, Ottawa County was officially established, named after the Ottawa tribe who once inhabited the region. The area experienced significant growth and development in the mid-19th century, particularly with the advent of the railroad. The construction and expansion of rail lines facilitated the transportation of goods and people, stimulating economic growth and attracting new settlers to the county.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ottawa County's economy was predominantly driven by agriculture and fishing. The fertile lands of the region made it ideal for farming, and many farmers cultivated crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans. The proximity to Lake Erie also made fishing a lucrative industry, with fishermen catching a variety of fish species, including walleye and perch.

In the 20th century, Ottawa County saw the growth of tourism, largely due to its location on the shores of Lake Erie. The county's picturesque landscapes, sandy beaches, and recreational opportunities attracted visitors from both nearby cities and other states. The construction of resorts, marinas, and amusement parks further enhanced the region's appeal as a vacation destination. Today, Ottawa County continues to thrive as a popular tourist spot while also maintaining its agricultural roots.

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

  • 1831: Ottawa County is established and named after the Ottawa Native American tribe.
  • 1837: The first courthouse is built in Port Clinton.
  • 1840: The first official census puts the county's population at 903 residents.
  • 1873: The iconic Marblehead Lighthouse is completed.
  • 1900: The population of Ottawa County reaches 15,672.
  • 1929: The Great Depression begins and has a major impact on the county's economy.
  • 1940: The population surpasses 20,000 for the first time.
  • 1957: The Ohio Turnpike opens, providing improved transportation access to the county.
  • 1972: The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is established.
  • 1992: Catawba Island State Park is opened to the public.