Historical Marker

Port Washington Civil War Draft Riot

Historical marker location:
109 West Main Street, Port Washington, Wisconsin
Marker installed: 2012

  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 first European to explore Wisconsin was Jean Nicolet, a French explorer who arrived in 1634. He was looking for a water route to Asia but instead encountered the Menominee Indians near Green Bay.
Wisconsin random facts
Ozaukee County, located in Wisconsin, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi and Menominee, who utilized the land for hunting and farming. In the early 1800s, European settlers began arriving in the area, establishing small communities along the Milwaukee River.

The county was officially formed in 1853, taking its name from the Native American word "ozaskeek," meaning "yellow earth" or "fine dust." Agriculture played a significant role in the early economy, with farmers cultivating crops such as wheat, corn, and oats. The Milwaukee River also served as a vital transportation route, enabling trade and commerce to flourish.

The growth of industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought about significant changes in Ozaukee County. The establishment of flour mills, sawmills, and other factories spurred economic development and attracted more settlers to the area. The village of Port Washington, located along Lake Michigan, became an important center for commerce, with its natural harbor serving as a hub for shipping and trade.

Over time, Ozaukee County continued to thrive and adapt to changing times. The construction of highways and railroads further enhanced transportation and connectivity within the region. Today, the county remains a vibrant and dynamic community, with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. Its natural beauty, historic sites, and small-town charm continue to attract visitors and residents alike.

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

  • 1835: Treaty of Chicago opens the area for settlement
  • 1839: Ozaukee County is created as part of Milwaukee County
  • 1840s: German immigrants begin to settle in the area
  • 1853: Ozaukee County is officially established as a separate county
  • 1854: Port Washington becomes the county seat
  • Late 1800s: Growth of industry, particularly shipbuilding and manufacturing
  • Early 1900s: Expansion of transportation infrastructure, including railroads and highways
  • Mid-1900s: Shift from agriculture to manufacturing and service industries
  • 1980s: Growth in residential development and population
  • 1990s: Preservation efforts to protect historical buildings and landmarks