Historical Marker

Civil War Cannon

Historical marker location:
Sparta, Wisconsin
( Marker is on East Montgomery Street (State Highway 21) west of North Benton Street, on the right when traveling west.)

  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 Wisconsin.
The deadliest tornado in Wisconsin's history occurred on May 18, 1883, when a tornado swept through the town of Rochester, killing 117 people and injuring more than 200 others.
Wisconsin random facts
Monroe County, located in southwestern Wisconsin, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Ho-Chunk, who utilized the land for hunting, gathering, and farming. European exploration and colonization began in the 17th century, with French and British traders venturing into the region to establish fur trading posts.

In the early 19th century, European settlement in Monroe County began to increase. The economy primarily revolved around agriculture, with settlers cultivating crops such as corn, wheat, and oats. The construction of the La Crosse-Milwaukee Road, a major railroad line, in the late 19th century brought further growth and development to the county, facilitating commerce and trade.

Monroe County experienced significant growth and transformation in the 20th century. During World War II, the county was home to Fort McCoy, a military training site that played a vital role in the war effort. The fort continues to operate today and has become an important economic and cultural asset for the county. In addition, the construction of Interstate 90 in the 1960s further improved transportation and contributed to the county's economic expansion.

Today, Monroe County maintains its strong agricultural heritage while embracing tourism and outdoor recreation as key economic drivers. Visitors can explore the county's natural beauty by hiking or biking along numerous trails, kayaking in the Kickapoo River, or camping in its scenic parks. The county also hosts cultural events, such as the annual Monroe County Fair, which celebrates the county's agricultural traditions and showcases local talent. With a rich history and vibrant present, Monroe County continues to thrive and offer its residents and visitors a high quality of life.

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

  • 1818: Treaty of 1818 establishes the northern border of Monroe County
  • 1849: Monroe County is created and named after President James Monroe
  • 1854: First settlers arrive in the area
  • 1856: Sparta becomes the county seat
  • 1862: The Civil War begins, several men from Monroe County enlist
  • 1873: Railroad reaches Sparta, boosting transportation and trade
  • 1904: A major fire destroys parts of Sparta's downtown area
  • 1967: Fort McCoy army base is established in the county
  • 1970: Monroe County celebrates its 125th anniversary
  • 1990: The population of Monroe County reaches over 40,000
  • 2008: Record flooding affects many communities in the county