Historical Marker

Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
Wyocena, Wisconsin
( Marker can be reached from North Polk Street near East Polk Street.)
Marker installed: 1894

  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.

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Wisconsin random facts
Columbia County, Wisconsin, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) and Menominee, who made use of the area's vast resources for hunting, fishing, and gathering. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, establishing fur trading posts along the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers.

In 1839, Columbia County was officially established, named after Christopher Columbus. The county's first seat was at the village of Portage, which quickly developed as a transportation hub due to its strategic location at the junction of the two rivers. Portage became a vital stopping point for travelers between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River.

The completion of the Portage Canal in 1851 further bolstered the county's economic growth. This canal connected the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers, allowing for easier navigation between the two. The canal facilitated the transportation of goods, led to the development of new industries, and attracted more settlers to the area.

The mid-19th century saw rapid expansion in Columbia County, with the construction of railroads and the establishment of numerous farming communities. Agriculture became the backbone of the county's economy, with dairy farming and corn production flourishing. The county also saw industrial progress, with the opening of mills, foundries, and other manufacturing businesses.

Today, Columbia County is a thriving community with a diverse economy. It remains an important agricultural center, while also housing a variety of industries such as tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing. The county's history is celebrated through conservation efforts, preservation of historic sites, and community events, ensuring that its rich heritage continues to be valued and appreciated.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Columbia County, Wisconsin.

  • 1838 - Columbia County is established on December 7, 1838.
  • 1851 - The county seat is moved from Wyocena to Portage.
  • 1855 - Portage is incorporated as a city.
  • 1861-1865 - Many residents of Columbia County serve in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
  • 1883 - The Chicago and North Western Railway reaches Columbus, bringing increased transportation and trade opportunities.
  • 1914-1918 - Columbia County residents participate in World War I.
  • 1929-1941 - The Great Depression affects Columbia County, causing economic hardships for residents.
  • 1941-1945 - Columbia County residents contribute to the war effort during World War II.
  • 1955 - The Wisconsin Dells tourist industry begins to grow, attracting visitors to the county.
  • 1973 - The Portage Canal is designated a National Historic Landmark.
  • 2008 - The town of Pacific is disincorporated, becoming part of the village of Portage.