Historical Marker

Clarion County Civil War Soldier's Monument

Historical marker location:
Clarion County Veterans Memorial Park, Clarion, Pennsylvania
( Memorial is on Main Street south of Jefferson Place, on the left when traveling west.)
Marker installed: 1896

  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 Pennsylvania.
The first successful commercially produced automobile in America was built in Philadelphia in 1895 by the Duryea brothers.
Pennsylvania random facts
Clarion County, Pennsylvania, located in the northwestern part of the state, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1839. The area was initially home to Native American tribes, including the Seneca and Iroquois nations, who lived off the land and utilized the region's natural resources. In the 18th century, European settlers began moving into the area, establishing small farming communities.

The county's development accelerated with the discovery of oil in the late 19th century. The Clarion Oil Field, one of the largest in the state, attracted numerous oil companies and workers to the region, leading to a booming oil industry. This newfound wealth and economic growth transformed Clarion County into a thriving industrial center, with bustling towns and a vibrant oil industry.

As the oil industry declined in the early 20th century, Clarion County saw a shift in its economic focus towards manufacturing and agriculture. Several factories were established, producing goods such as glass, steel, and textiles. Agriculture also played an important role, with farmers producing crops such as corn, wheat, and dairy products.

Today, Clarion County embraces its rich history while looking toward the future. The county is known for its natural beauty, with abundant forests, parks, and the Clarion River, attracting outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, Clarion University, founded in 1867, provides educational opportunities for students and contributes to the cultural and intellectual life of the community. Clarion County continues to evolve and adapt, combining its historical heritage with a focus on economic diversification, tourism, and preserving its natural resources for future generations.

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

  • March 11, 1839: Clarion County is established from parts of Venango and Armstrong counties
  • 1851: The first courthouse is built in Clarion
  • 1867: The discovery of oil leads to an oil boom in the county
  • 1871: The Clarion River is designated as a Wild and Scenic River
  • 1909: The first automobile bridge is built over the Clarion River
  • 1923: Clarion County's first airport, Clarion County Airport, is established
  • 1931: Piney Dam is completed on the Clarion River
  • 1953: The Clarion River is designated a State Scenic River
  • 1979: Clarion University of Pennsylvania is established
  • 2009: Cook Forest State Park, located partly in Clarion County, is designated an International Dark Sky Park