Historical Marker

Potter County, South Dakota Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Gettysburg, South Dakota
( Memorial is at the intersection of East Logan Avenue and South Exene Street, on the right when traveling east on East Logan Avenue.)

  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 South Dakota.
South Dakota was the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre, a tragic event in which over 150 unarmed Native American men, women, and children were killed by U.S. troops in 1890. Today, the site is a National Historic Landmark.
South Dakota random facts
Potter County, SD is located in the northern part of the state. It was officially established in 1883 and named after the 19th-century Dakota Territory judge and politician, Robert Potter. Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Lakota Sioux.

The first European settlers arrived in Potter County in the late 1870s. They were attracted to the area by the fertile soil and the presence of the Belle Fourche River, which provided a water source for irrigation and agriculture. The pioneers primarily engaged in farming and ranching, as well as small-scale gold mining.

During the early years of its settlement, Potter County faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions, prairie fires, and economic instability. However, the hardworking spirit of the early settlers helped the county grow and thrive. The arrival of the Milwaukee Railroad in 1907 further enhanced transportation and economic opportunities in the region.

In the 20th century, Potter County continued to develop and modernize. The construction of highways and the development of infrastructure facilitated trade and connectivity with neighboring counties and states. Today, Potter County is known for its agricultural industry, which includes crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat, as well as livestock production. The county is also appreciated for its natural beauty, with opportunities for fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation available to residents and visitors alike.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Potter County, South Dakota.

  • 1873 - Potter County is established as part of the Dakota Territory.
  • 1880s - The first farms and ranches are established in the area.
  • 1883 - The town of Gettysburg is founded as the county seat.
  • 1891 - The Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad reaches Gettysburg, boosting economic growth.
  • 1897 - Potter County Courthouse is constructed in Gettysburg.
  • 1909 - The town of Hoven is incorporated.
  • 1910s - Agriculture becomes the dominant industry in the county.
  • 1950s - Rural electrification brings modern amenities to Potter County.
  • 1977 - The Oahe Dam is completed, creating Lake Oahe and providing recreational opportunities for the county.
  • 2000 - The population of Potter County reaches its peak at over 2,700 residents.
  • Present - Potter County remains a rural community with a focus on agriculture and outdoor activities.