Historical Marker

Union Veterans of the Civil War

Historical marker location:
Grants Pass, Oregon
( Memorial is on Southeast 7th Street (U.S. 99).)
Marker installed: 1936

  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 Oregon.
The city of Eugene, Oregon was named after Eugene Skinner, a settler who built a cabin in the area in the 1840s. Skinner is also credited with founding the city.
Oregon random facts
Josephine County, located in southwestern Oregon, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Takelma and the Shasta people. European explorers, such as Jedediah Smith and Peter Skene Ogden, began arriving in the early 19th century, seeking fur trading opportunities.

In the mid-19th century, gold was discovered in the area, leading to a gold rush that brought many settlers to Josephine County. The region quickly developed into a bustling mining community, with towns like Waldo and Sailor Diggings springing up almost overnight. Numerous Chinese immigrants also arrived to work in the mines.

As mining activities declined towards the end of the 19th century, Josephine County experienced an agricultural boom. The fertile soil and mild climate made it ideal for various crops, including fruit orchards and vineyards. Lumber quickly became another major industry, as vast forests covered the area. Sawmills were established to meet the growing demand for timber.

Josephine County faced significant challenges in the 20th century, including economic downturns and natural disasters. The Great Depression hit the region hard, leading to high unemployment rates and poverty. Additionally, devastating floods in the 1960s caused extensive damage, leading to significant infrastructural changes in the county.

Despite the ups and downs, Josephine County has persevered and adapted. Today, the area is known for its natural beauty, with attractions like the Rogue River, the Oregon Caves National Monument, and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. The county also serves as a gateway to the scenic and popular tourist destination of Crater Lake National Park.

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

  • 1856: Josephine County is established by the Oregon Territorial Legislature.
  • 1859: The first public school is established in the town of Kerby.
  • 1860: Gold mining becomes a major industry in the county, attracting thousands of prospectors.
  • 1870: Grants Pass becomes the county seat, replacing Kerby.
  • 1880: The completion of the Oregon and California Railroad connects Josephine County to the coast, boosting trade and development.
  • 1901: The town of Cave Junction is founded.
  • 1920s: Josephine County experiences a period of economic growth due to the expanding logging industry.
  • 1966: The construction of Interstate 5 improves transportation and opens up new opportunities for the county.
  • 1994: The county faces economic decline, prompting efforts to diversify its economy and attract new industries.