Historical Marker

Civil War Skirmish at Pleasant Grove

Historical marker location:
107 South 100 East, Pleasant Grove, Utah
( Memorial is on South 100 East, on the right when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 2017

12 April 1863

  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 Utah.
The state's first newspaper, the Deseret News, was first published in 1850 by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The newspaper is still in circulation today.
Utah random facts
Utah County is located in the central part of the state of Utah, in the United States. Its history dates back to the arrival of the first European settlers in the area in the mid-19th century. The region was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ute and Shoshone peoples.

In 1849, Brigham Young, the leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), sent a group of pioneers to establish a settlement in Utah Valley, which later became Utah County. The settlers faced several challenges, including harsh climate conditions and conflicts with Native American tribes. Despite these difficulties, the settlement grew and prospered as more pioneers arrived in the area.

Utah County became the center of religious, social, and economic activities for the Mormon pioneers. The construction of the Provo Tabernacle and the Provo City Center Temple served as important landmarks of the region's religious heritage. Agriculture, especially fruit cultivation, became a significant industry in the county, with apples, cherries, and peaches being key crops.

Over the years, Utah County witnessed significant growth and development. Educational institutions, such as Brigham Young University (BYU), were established and played a crucial role in shaping the county's cultural landscape. In recent years, Utah County has experienced a surge in population, becoming one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States. Today, it combines its religious heritage with a thriving economy, offering a mix of urban and rural areas, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a vibrant community.

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

  • 1776: The first European explorers, Fathers Escalante and Dominguez, traveled through Utah County.
  • 1847: Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young settled in the Salt Lake Valley, including the area now known as Utah County.
  • 1849: Provo was settled and became the county seat of Utah County.
  • 1851: Utah County had its first courthouse and jail.
  • 1852: Provo was incorporated as a city.
  • 1869: The completion of the transcontinental railroad brought new economic opportunities to Utah County.
  • 1875: Brigham Young Academy (now Brigham Young University) was established in Provo.
  • 1894: The first electric streetcar system was introduced in Provo.
  • 1903: The Utah-Idaho Sugar Company built a sugar factory in Lehi.
  • 1920: The Provo City Library was opened.
  • 1940s: Geneva Steel, a major steel mill, began operations in Utah County.
  • 1969: Brigham Young University became a university, offering graduate degrees.
  • 1980s: The technology industry started to grow in Utah County with the establishment of companies like Novell and WordPerfect.
  • 2002: The Peaks Ice Arena in Provo hosted ice hockey events during the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.