Historical Marker

Darien Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Darien, Wisconsin

  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 ice cream sundae was reportedly invented in Two Rivers, Wisconsin in the late 1800s. The town still celebrates the invention of the sundae with an annual festival.
Wisconsin random facts
Walworth County, located in southeastern Wisconsin, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Potawatomi and Ho-Chunk peoples, who lived off the land and utilized the nearby waterways for transportation and trade.

European settlers began to arrive in the region in the early 1830s, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources. In 1836, the Wisconsin Territory was established, and Walworth County was officially formed in 1838. The county was named in honor of Reuben H. Walworth, a prominent lawyer and judge from New York.

During the mid-19th century, agriculture became a vital industry in Walworth County. Farmers took advantage of the fertile soil to cultivate crops such as wheat, corn, oats, and barley. The county also became known for its thriving dairy industry, with numerous cheese factories and creameries being established.

In addition to agriculture, tourism also played a significant role in the county's history. With its picturesque lakes and scenic landscapes, Walworth County became a popular destination for city dwellers looking for a respite from urban life. Resorts, hotels, and summer cottages began to dot the shoreline of Geneva Lake, attracting visitors from Chicago and other nearby cities.

Today, Walworth County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a diverse economy. It remains an attractive destination for tourists, offering a wide range of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, golfing, and hiking. The county also boasts a strong agricultural sector, with numerous small farms and farmers' markets, as well as a growing manufacturing and service industry.

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

  • 1836 - Walworth County is established on January 28.
  • 1838 - The first settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1840 - The first post office is established in Elkhorn.
  • 1843 - The first courthouse is built.
  • 1844 - The first newspaper, the "Walworth County Democrat," is published.
  • 1851 - The Wisconsin, Fox Lake, and Mississippi Railroad reaches Walworth County.
  • 1852 - The Walworth County Fair is established and held for the first time.
  • 1860 - The population of Walworth County reaches over 22,000.
  • 1894 - The Village of Fontana-on-Geneva-Lake is incorporated.
  • 1897 - Richard B. Smith founds the Wisconsin School for the Deaf in Delavan.
  • 1941 - The Army Air Force opens the Lake Geneva Air Park.
  • 1965 - The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater opens its new campus in Whitewater.
  • 1984 - Lake Geneva hosts the sailing events of the Olympic Games held in Los Angeles.
  • 1998 - The Walworth County Historical Society is founded.