Historical Marker

Seneca County Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
Tiffin, Ohio
( Memorial is at the intersection of Frost Parkway and Adams Street, on the right when traveling south on Frost Parkway.)

  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.

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Ohio random facts
Seneca County, Ohio has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Wyandot and Shawnee, who used the land for hunting and fishing. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive in the region, with the first permanent white settlement established in present-day Seneca County in 1817. The county was officially created in 1820 and named after the powerful Seneca Native American tribe.

During the 19th century, Seneca County experienced significant growth and development. The construction of the Miami and Erie Canal in the 1830s boosted the local economy by providing a reliable transportation route for goods and people. This led to the establishment of several canal towns, including Tiffin, the county seat. Tiffin quickly grew into a thriving community, home to mills, schools, churches, and businesses.

Seneca County played a role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom. Abolitionists in the area provided support and shelter for escaped slaves, helping them on their journey to Canada. The region also had a strong German immigrant presence, with many settling in Seneca County and establishing successful businesses and farms.

In the 20th century, Seneca County continued to evolve and adapt. The construction of highways such as U.S. Route 224 and State Route 53 improved connectivity and transportation, further promoting economic development. The county also became home to industrial and manufacturing companies, contributing to employment opportunities and growth. Today, Seneca County maintains its agricultural roots while also embracing modern industries and tourism, offering a vibrant and diverse community for its residents and visitors.

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

  • 1817: Seneca County is established in the state of Ohio.
  • 1824: The county seat is established in Tiffin.
  • 1853: The first railroad, the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad, is completed in Seneca County.
  • 1892: The Seneca County Courthouse, designed by architect Elijah E. Myers, is completed.
  • 1929: The Ritz Theatre, a historic movie theater, opens in downtown Tiffin.
  • 1969: Heidelberg University, a private liberal arts college, merges with Tiffin University.
  • 1980: The Tiffin Glass Museum is established, showcasing the history of Tiffin's glass manufacturing industry.
  • 1998: Seneca Caverns, a popular tourist attraction, celebrates its 70th anniversary.
  • 2019: Seneca County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.