Historical Marker

Civil War Draft Resistance

Historical marker location:
6246 Curwensville Tyrone Highway, Olanta, Pennsylvania

  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.
Pennsylvania was the second state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 12, 1787.
Pennsylvania random facts
Clearfield County, Pennsylvania has a rich history that dates back to the indigenous peoples who inhabited the area thousands of years ago. The county was part of the hunting grounds of Native American tribes such as the Susquehannocks and the Iroquois. The first European settlers arrived in the 18th century, attracted by the abundance of timber and fertile land. The region was initially part of Northumberland County, but in 1804, Clearfield County was officially created and named after the clear fields found by the early settlers.

The region's economy was primarily based on logging and lumbering throughout the 19th century. The extensive forests of the county provided an abundant supply of timber, which was in high demand for construction and fuel. This led to the establishment of numerous sawmills and a logging industry that thrived for decades. As the lumber industry boomed, the population of the county grew rapidly, attracting immigrants from various parts of Europe.

The discovery of high-quality bituminous coal deposits in Clearfield County in the late 19th century brought about a significant shift in the local economy. Coal mining quickly became the dominant industry, attracting a large influx of miners from different parts of the United States and Europe. The county became home to numerous coal mining towns, with mining companies becoming major employers in the area. The coal industry continued to thrive throughout much of the 20th century, facilitating the county's growth and economic prosperity.

In recent years, Clearfield County has experienced economic diversification as the coal industry has declined. The region has focused on developing other sectors, such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, and tourism. Clearfield County offers a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities, including state parks, hiking trails, and fishing spots in its picturesque natural surroundings. Today, Clearfield County continues to evolve, blending its rich history with a vision for a vibrant and sustainable future.

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

  • 1804: Clearfield County is established.
  • 1822: The first courthouse in Clearfield County is completed.
  • 1833: The Clearfield Coal Company is formed, contributing to the county's economic growth.
  • 1854: The Clearfield County jail is built.
  • 1864: The county is impacted by the Civil War, with many residents serving in the Union Army.
  • 1870: The Clearfield County Fair is established.
  • 1901: Bennett Branch Dam is constructed, creating the Curwensville Lake.
  • 1927: Shawville Power Station, the first hydroelectric power plant in Clearfield County, begins operation.
  • 1958: The Clearfield Dam is completed, creating the Curwensville Lake.
  • 1977: Clearfield County Historical Society is founded to preserve local history.
  • 1997: Grampian-Penn-Bloom Historical Society is formed to promote local heritage.