Historical Marker

Ross County Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
64 W 8th St, Chillicothe, Ohio
( Marker can be reached from Brookside Drive.)
Marker installed: 1875

  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 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
Ross County, Ohio, located in the south-central part of the state, has a rich history dating back to the earliest Native American settlements. The area was originally inhabited by various tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware, before European settlers arrived in the late 18th century. The county was named after James Ross, an early U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania.

The land that would become Ross County was a crucial region during the Revolutionary War, serving as a hub for military and supply lines. Chillicothe, the county seat and first capital of Ohio, was established in 1796 and became a major center of activity. In fact, it was in Chillicothe that the first General Assembly of Ohio convened. The county played a vital role in Ohio's early political development and was home to many influential figures, including Thomas Worthington, a key founder of both Chillicothe and the state of Ohio.

Throughout the 19th century, Ross County experienced significant growth and development. The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the 1830s brought increased trade and transportation opportunities to the region. Additionally, the arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century further spurred economic prosperity. Agriculture and manufacturing industries thrived during this time, making Ross County one of Ohio's leading counties.

In the 20th century, Ross County continued to evolve. The county became known for its strong military presence, hosting Camp Sherman during World War I and later serving as the site of a major Air Force base. Economic diversification brought new industries to the area, including retail, healthcare, and education. Today, Ross County remains an important cultural and economic center in Ohio, offering a rich history, natural beauty, and a strong community spirit.

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

  • 1803: Ross County is officially established by the Ohio State Legislature.
  • 1804: Chillicothe becomes the first capital of Ohio.
  • 1812: The Scioto River floods, causing significant damage to the county.
  • 1825: The Ohio and Erie Canal is completed, bringing economic opportunities to the county.
  • 1840: Ross County's population reaches over 30,000, making it one of the largest counties in Ohio.
  • 1850: The Chillicothe Baking Company opens, becoming one of the county's iconic businesses.
  • 1861-1865: Many Ross County residents serve in the Civil War.
  • 1903: The Dreamland amusement park opens, attracting visitors from across Ohio.
  • 1918: Ross County is hit hard by the Spanish Flu pandemic, resulting in numerous deaths.
  • 1942: Camp Sherman, a World War II training camp, is established in Ross County.
  • 1955: The Ross County Historical Society is founded to preserve the county's heritage.
  • 1998: The Hopewell Culture National Historic Park is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.