Historical Marker

Mt. Vernon Cemetery Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Hillsboro, Wisconsin
( Marker can be reached from Water Avenue (State Highway 80) east of Elm Avenue, 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.

The famous magician and escape artist Harry Houdini spent his early childhood in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin random facts
Vernon County, located in southwestern Wisconsin, has a rich history that spans thousands of years. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Dakota, Fox, and Ho-Chunk tribes. These tribes relied on the region's fertile soils for agriculture and the abundant wildlife for sustenance.

European settlement in Vernon County began in the early 1800s, with the arrival of fur traders and explorers. The first permanent settlers arrived in the 1840s, primarily of German, Irish, and Norwegian origin. These settlers established farms and communities, taking advantage of the natural resources and establishing a strong agricultural presence.

In the late 1800s, the railroad was introduced to Vernon County, bringing with it new opportunities for trade and transportation. The growth of the railroad led to the development of towns such as Viroqua and Hillsboro, which became important commercial and social centers for the region.

Throughout its history, Vernon County has experienced periods of prosperity and times of hardship. The Great Depression of the 1930s hit the area hard, with many farmers struggling to make ends meet. However, the county rebounded in the post-war years, with technological advancements in agriculture leading to increased productivity and economic growth.

Today, Vernon County remains a thriving agricultural community, known for its beautiful natural landscapes and strong sense of community. The county's rich history is celebrated through local museums and historical landmarks, which offer residents and visitors a glimpse into the past and the development of the region over time.

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

  • 1836 - Vernon County established as part of Wisconsin Territory
  • 1851 - First permanent settlement in the county
  • 1852 - County government organized
  • 1856 - First courthouse built in Viroqua
  • 1862-1865 - Several residents from Vernon County serve in the Civil War
  • Late 1800s - Agriculture becomes the major economic activity in the county
  • 1898 - Vernon County Agricultural Society formed
  • 1930s - Great Depression hits, leading to economic hardships in the county
  • 1950s-1960s - Dairy farming and cheese production flourish in the area
  • 1970s - Outdoor recreational activities become popular in Vernon County
  • 1980s - Amish migration to the county begins
  • 1992 - Flood disaster causes significant damage in the area
  • 2000s - Tourism industry grows, attracting visitors to the county's natural beauty