Historical Marker

First Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
Berlin, Connecticut
( Memorial is at the intersection of Percival Avenue and Sheldon Street, on the left when traveling north on Percival Avenue.)
Marker installed: 1863

  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 first lollipop-making machine was invented in New Haven, Connecticut in 1908 by George Smith. He named the candy after a popular racing horse called Lolly Pop.
Connecticut random facts
Hartford County, located in central Connecticut, has a rich history that spans over three centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Pequots and the Mohegans, before European settlers arrived in the 17th century. In 1636, English Puritan minister Thomas Hooker led a group of settlers from Massachusetts Bay Colony to establish the settlement of Hartford along the Connecticut River. This marked the beginning of Hartford County's European settlement.

Throughout the 18th century, Hartford County prospered as a center of trade and commerce. It became an important hub for shipbuilding, trade, and manufacturing. The county played a significant role in the American Revolution, with notable figures such as Nathan Hale, a spy for the Continental Army, hailing from the area.

In the early 19th century, Hartford County experienced industrialization and rapid growth. The region became a manufacturing powerhouse for textiles, firearms, and other goods. The city of Hartford emerged as a major center of insurance and finance, earning it the nickname "Insurance Capital of the World." The county also saw significant social and cultural advancements during this time, with the establishment of educational institutions, such as Trinity College and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.

In the 20th century, Hartford County continued to thrive economically, with industries diversifying and expanding. It saw development in sectors such as aerospace, technology, and healthcare. However, the county also faced challenges, including urban decay and the decline of manufacturing. Efforts have been made to revitalize cities such as Hartford and improve the quality of life for residents.

Today, Hartford County remains an important economic and cultural center in Connecticut. Home to numerous businesses, educational institutions, and cultural attractions, it attracts visitors and residents alike. The region's rich history, coupled with its vibrant present, makes it a compelling destination for those interested in exploring Connecticut's past and present.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Hartford County, Connecticut.

  • 1633 - Dutch explorer Adriaen Block becomes the first European to sail up the Connecticut River and visit the area that would become Hartford County.
  • 1636 - English settlers led by Reverend Thomas Hooker establish the settlement of Hartford, the capital of Connecticut and the county seat of Hartford County.
  • 1666 - Hartford County is officially established as one of the original four Connecticut counties.
  • 1784 - The Charter Oak, symbolizing the colony's independence from British rule, is toppled during a storm in Hartford.
  • 1836 - The Colt Armory is established in Hartford, becoming one of the world's largest manufacturing sites for firearms.
  • 1846 - The Hartford Courant, the oldest continuously published newspaper in the United States, begins publication.
  • 1874 - Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) and his family move to Hartford, where he writes some of his most famous works.
  • 1960 - The construction of the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford is completed.
  • 1964 - The Connecticut Historical Society Museum and Library is established in Hartford, preserving the state's rich history.