Historical Marker

Dedicated to the Memory of Veterans of the Civil War

Historical marker location:
1529 Cass St, La Crosse, Wisconsin
( Memorial is at the intersection of Cass Street and 16th Street South, on the right when traveling east on Cass Street.)
Marker installed: 1940

  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.

The first kindergarten in the United States was started in Watertown, Wisconsin in 1856 by a German immigrant named Margarethe Meyer Schurz.
Wisconsin random facts
La Crosse County, located in the state of Wisconsin, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) and Dakota Sioux. French explorers arrived in the 17th century, but it was not until the 19th century that European settlement began in earnest.

In the early 1800s, fur trading posts were established along the Mississippi River, attracting trappers and traders to the region. The region's location on the river made it a vital transportation hub, and it quickly grew as a result. La Crosse, the county seat, was founded in 1851, named after a game played by the Native Americans in the area.

The mid-19th century saw significant growth in La Crosse County, driven by the logging industry and river trade. The county became a major lumber production center, with sawmills dotting the riverbanks. The arrival of the railroads in the late 1800s further spurred economic development in the area, facilitating the export of goods and the influx of new residents.

La Crosse County is also known for its education and healthcare institutions. The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse was established in 1909 and has become a prominent educational institution in the region. The area is also home to Gundersen Health System, a leading healthcare provider.

Today, La Crosse County is a vibrant community known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and cultural events. It has a diverse economy, with industries ranging from healthcare and education to manufacturing and tourism. The county's history is preserved and celebrated through museums, historic sites, and events that showcase its heritage.

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

  • 1836 - La Crosse County is officially established.
  • 1851 - The first permanent European settler, Nathan Myrick, builds a trading post near the Black River.
  • 1853 - La Crosse becomes the county seat.
  • 1856 - The Milwaukee Road railway reaches La Crosse, boosting the area's economy.
  • 1863 - The La Crosse River Railroad is established, connecting La Crosse to Sparta.
  • 1884 - The La Crosse Public Library opens its doors.
  • 1906 - The La Crosse County Historical Society is founded.
  • 1949 - The La Crosse Municipal Airport opens.
  • 1967 - The city of La Crosse experiences a major flood, causing significant damage.
  • 1978 - The La Crosse Center, a multi-purpose arena, is constructed.
  • 1997 - The Great River State Trail is opened for recreational use.
  • 2001 - The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse celebrates its centennial.