Historical Marker

Vinton County Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
100 E Main St, McArthur, Ohio
( Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (U.S. 50) and Market Street (Ohio Route 93), on the right when traveling east on Main Street.)

  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.
The first traffic light in the world was installed in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1914. It had only two colors, red and green, and was manually operated by a police officer.
Ohio random facts
Vinton County, Ohio, located in the southeastern part of the state, has a rich history that spans centuries. Native American tribes, such as the Shawnee and Chillicothe, were the earliest known inhabitants of the region. These tribes lived off the land, hunting, fishing, and cultivating crops in the fertile valleys of the area. With the arrival of European settlers in the late 18th century, the landscape of Vinton County began to change.

In the early 19th century, settlements began to grow and flourish in Vinton County. The small communities were primarily engaged in agriculture, raising livestock and farming crops like corn, wheat, and tobacco. The coal industry also played a significant role in the county's history, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Coal mining operations attracted immigrants from Europe and Appalachia, leading to a growth in population and economic development.

Vinton County continued to evolve throughout the 20th century. The arrival of railways and improved transportation infrastructure facilitated the growth of industries such as timber, oil, and gas extraction. The county saw significant growth in population and the establishment of schools, churches, and other community institutions.

Today, Vinton County retains its rural character, with its economy primarily driven by agriculture, tourism, and outdoor recreation. The county is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the Wayne National Forest and Lake Hope State Park. Despite its small population, Vinton County has a rich history and remains an important part of Ohio's heritage.

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

  • 1797 - Vinton County is formed from portions of Ross, Athens, and Gallia counties.
  • 1850 - Population of Vinton County reaches 5,434.
  • 1870 - Vinton County experiences a decline in population due to the end of the iron industry.
  • 1882 - The Vinton County Railroad is completed, connecting the county to the rest of Ohio.
  • 1900 - Population of Vinton County reaches its peak at 24,177.
  • 1933 - Vinton County is severely impacted by the Great Depression, with high unemployment rates.
  • 1966 - Lake Hope State Park is established in Vinton County.
  • 1972 - Wayne National Forest is established, covering parts of Vinton County.
  • 2000 - Vinton County's population decreases to 12,806.
  • 2015 - Timber harvesting and tourism become important sources of income for Vinton County.