Oswego in Kendall County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

American Civil War

(1861-1865)

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 3, 2025

1. American Civil War Marker

Inscription. The American Civil War was a major war between the United States (the "Union") and eleven southern slave states that declared their secession and formed the Confederate States of America, led by President Jefferson Davis. The Union, led by President Abraham Lincoln, opposed the expansion of slavery and rejected any right of secession. Fighting commenced on April 12, 1861, when Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter in South Carolina. Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North was repulsed at the Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania in July 1863, the turning point of the war. Ulysses S. Grant commanded the Union forces until 1865, when the Confederacy collapsed and Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia. Total Union casualties were 650,000 and total Confederate casualties were 134,00.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #18 Ulysses S. Grant series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.

Location. 41° 41.118′ N,

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88° 21.098′ W. Marker is in Oswego, Illinois, in Kendall County. It can be reached from Main Street near Jefferson Street. The marker is behind the Oswego Veterans Memorial Plaza, on a pathway towards the Fox River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oswego IL 60543, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: War of 1812 (here, next to this marker); Mexican-American War (here, next to this marker); Spanish-American War (here, next to this marker); World War II (a few steps from this marker); World War I (a few steps from this marker); American Revolutionary War (a few steps from this marker); Fox River Fording (a few steps from this marker); Korean Conflict (a few steps

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 3, 2025

2. American Civil War Marker

The Oswego Veterans Memorial Plaza is in the rear. On the right side a similar marker about the Mexican War can also be seen.

from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oswego.

Regarding American Civil War. While the actual death toll of the Civil War is unknown (and believed by some to actually quite a bit higher), the long-held standard for American casualties in the Civil War is 620,000, which includes both Union and Confederate dead.

Also see . . .
1. Civil War Companies Organized in Kendall County. (Submitted on May 7, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Civil War Casualties. An article from the American Battlefield Trust examines Civil War casualties, including comparisons to other American wars. (Submitted on May 5, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Historical markers about American wars on the pathway behind Oswego Veterans Memorial Plaza image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 3, 2025

3. Historical markers about American wars on the pathway behind Oswego Veterans Memorial Plaza

Credits. This page was last revised on May 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 5, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 158 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 5, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.