Historical Marker

Brown County Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Green Bay, Wisconsin
( Marker is on South Jefferson, on the right when traveling south.)
Marker installed: 1934

61 Heroes 65

  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.

Wisconsin is a place I love to go back to every time I get the chance.
Dylan McDermott in TV Guide
Brown County, located in northeastern Wisconsin, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Menominee, Ho-Chunk, and Ojibwe peoples. These tribes relied on the fertile land and abundant natural resources for their sustenance and culture.

In the early 17th century, French explorers, led by Jean Nicolet, arrived in the area, establishing the first European presence. The French established fur trading posts, which helped foster peaceful relationships with the Native American tribes. However, over time, conflicts between the French, British, and Native Americans arose, leading to a change in control over the region.

In the late 18th century, the British gained control over the area, ceding it to the United States after the American Revolution. The region became part of the Northwest Territory before eventually becoming part of the Wisconsin Territory. The territorial government created Brown County in 1818, recognizing it as a separate county within the larger territory.

The 19th century saw the rapid growth and development of Brown County. The building of the Erie Canal and the arrival of immigrants, primarily German and Belgian settlers, led to a boom in agriculture and industry. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s further fueled growth, as it provided a convenient means of transportation for goods and people.

Today, Brown County is known for its vibrant city of Green Bay, its rich agricultural heritage, and its status as the home of the Green Bay Packers football team. The county's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its residents, who continue to shape its future while honoring its past.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Brown County, Wisconsin.

  • 1818 - Brown County is established as part of the Michigan Territory.
  • 1822 - Fort Howard is established by the U.S. Army near the mouth of the Fox River.
  • 1828 - The first permanent European settlement is established in what is now Green Bay.
  • 1836 - Wisconsin becomes a separate territory, including Brown County.
  • 1854 - The first railroad, the Green Bay and Mississippi Railroad, reaches Green Bay.
  • 1872 - The county courthouse is completed in Green Bay.
  • 1958 - The Green Bay Packers win their first NFL championship, beginning a successful era for the team.
  • 1997 - Lambeau Field, the home stadium of the Green Bay Packers, undergoes a major renovation.