Historical Marker

Wilmot Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Wilmot, Ohio
( Memorial is on Sandusky Drive SW (U.S. 250) 0.3 miles west of Winesburg Street (U.S. 62), on the left when traveling west.)
Marker installed: 1908

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of Ohio.
Ohio is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, located in Cleveland. It was established in 1983 and inducted its first class of musicians in 1986.
Ohio random facts
Stark County, Ohio has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Delaware and Wyandot tribes. European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, with the establishment of settlements such as Canton, Massillon, and Alliance.

During the early 1800s, Stark County experienced rapid growth and development. The completion of the Ohio and Erie Canal in 1827 provided an economic boost, as it connected the region to other parts of Ohio and allowed for easier transportation of goods. This led to the expansion of industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and coal mining.

Stark County played a significant role in the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad. Many residents were active in helping enslaved individuals escape to freedom, and local landmarks like the Wesleyan Methodist Church in East Canton served as safe havens for fugitive slaves.

In the 20th century, Stark County became known for its thriving steel and manufacturing industries. Companies like Timken Steel, Republic Steel, and Hoover Company contributed to the county's economic growth and development. However, like many other industrial towns, Stark County experienced a decline in these industries in the latter part of the century, leading to changes in the local economy.

Today, Stark County is a diverse and vibrant community with a mix of urban and rural areas. It is home to various cultural and historical attractions, including the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, and the Canton Museum of Art. The county continues to evolve and adapt, embracing new industries and opportunities while cherishing its deep historical roots.

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

  • 1809 - Stark County is founded.
  • 1825 - Canton, the county seat, is incorporated.
  • 1833 - The Ohio and Erie Canal reaches Canton, bringing economic growth to the area.
  • 1861-1865 - Stark County sends many soldiers to fight in the American Civil War.
  • 1892 - The Pro Football Hall of Fame is established in Canton.
  • 1920 - The first professional football league, the American Professional Football Association (later renamed the National Football League), is founded in Canton.
  • 1940s-1950s - Stark County experiences industrial growth as manufacturing and steel production expand.
  • 1960s-1970s - Economic decline occurs as the manufacturing industry declines.
  • 1990 - The Timken Company, a major employer in the area, celebrates 100 years of operation in Stark County.
  • 2000s - Efforts to revitalize downtown Canton begin, including the construction of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Village.