Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Creston, Iowa
( Memorial is at the intersection of McKinley Street and Lake Avenue, on the right when traveling south on McKinley Street.)

1861 - 1865

  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.

Iowa is where my heart is.
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Union County, Iowa, located in the southwestern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Ioway, Sioux, and Otoe-Missouria people. European settlement began in the early 1840s when pioneers from the east began to arrive.

In 1849, Union County was officially established, named after the desire for unity between the North and South during a time of tense division on the issue of slavery. The county quickly flourished, with small towns and farming communities springing up across the area.

During the mid-1800s, Union County became an important hub for transportation and trade. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1860s brought increased economic opportunities and population growth. The county's main industries at the time were farming, coal mining, and manufacturing.

In the early 20th century, Union County faced challenges such as the decline of coal mining and agricultural changes. However, the county adapted and diversified its economy. Today, Union County is primarily known for its agriculture, including corn, soybeans, cattle farming, and poultry production. The county is also home to attractions such as the restored Heritage Village, which showcases the area's pioneer history, and the Three Mile Lake Park, a popular recreational area for fishing and camping.

Overall, Union County has a vibrant history of growth, overcoming obstacles, and adapting to changing times. From its early days of settlement to its present-day agricultural prominence, the county's history reflects the perseverance and resilience of its inhabitants.

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

  • 1851 - Union County is established on January 15, 1851, with the county seat located in Afton.
  • 1864 - The Civil War reaches Union County, and several residents join the Union Army to fight in the conflict.
  • 1870 - Railroads extend into Union County, spurring economic growth and increasing transportation opportunities.
  • 1881 - Creston, a town located in Union County, becomes a major hub for railroad activity.
  • 1896 - The Great Western Sugar Company establishes a factory in Creston, boosting the local economy and providing job opportunities.
  • 1901 - The Adams County Coal Company opens a mine in Shannon City, which becomes an important industry in the region.
  • 1930s - Union County, like the rest of the United States, suffers the effects of the Great Depression, with many residents facing unemployment and economic hardship.
  • 1976 - The Union County Historical Village, a living history museum, is established to preserve and showcase the county's heritage.
  • 2008 - The Creston News Advertiser celebrates 120 years of continuous publication, serving as a valuable source of local news for Union County residents.
  • 2010 - Union County's population reaches approximately 12,500 people.
  • 2018 - Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signs a bill into law designating Union County as a Home Base Iowa community, aiming to attract veterans and their families to the county.