Historical Marker

Civil War’s First Black Regiment

Historical marker location:
New Bedford, Massachusetts
( Marker is at the intersection of William Street and Acushnet Avenue, on the right when traveling east on William Street.)

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

  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 Thanksgiving in America was held in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621. The feast lasted for three days and was attended by both Pilgrims and Native Americans.
Massachusetts random facts
Bristol County, Massachusetts has a rich and vibrant history dating back to the early colonial era. Originally inhabited by the Wampanoag Native American tribe, the area was first settled by Europeans in the early 17th century. In 1639, Plymouth Colony established the town of Duxbury, marking the first permanent European settlement in the county. As more settlers arrived, additional towns were established, including Taunton in 1639 and Dartmouth in 1664.

During the American Revolution, Bristol County played a significant role. In 1776, the Battle of Rhode Island, also known as the Battle of Quaker Hill, took place on the border of Bristol County and Newport, Rhode Island. This engagement was a crucial moment for American forces, as they successfully defended against a British attempt to recapture Newport.

In the 19th century, Bristol County saw rapid industrialization and economic growth. The cities of Fall River and New Bedford became major centers for textile manufacturing and the whaling industry, respectively. Fall River became famous for its cotton mills, while New Bedford became known as the world's whaling capital, with many ships departing from its harbor to hunt for whales in distant waters.

In the 20th century, Bristol County continued to evolve. The decline of the textile industry and the end of whaling led to an economic shift, and the county became more diverse in its industries. Today, Bristol County is known for its mix of suburban, urban, and rural areas, with a thriving economy that includes sectors such as healthcare, education, and technology. The county's rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant communities make it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bristol County, Massachusetts.

  • 1685 - Bristol County is established in Massachusetts Bay Colony.
  • 1692 - Bristol County becomes part of the newly formed Province of Massachusetts Bay.
  • 1746 - County boundaries change with the creation of a new county, Bristol County, Rhode Island.
  • 1790 - Population of Bristol County reaches 24,900.
  • 1800 - New Bedford becomes the county seat.
  • 1820 - Fall River splits from Freetown and becomes a separate town.
  • 1840 - Fall River becomes a city.
  • 1877 - The City of Taunton becomes the county seat.
  • 1892 - The towns of Acushnet and Fairhaven split from New Bedford and become separate towns.
  • 1950 - Population of Bristol County reaches 317,101.
  • 1997 - Bristol County Superior Court is split into two divisions: New Bedford and Taunton.
  • 2000 - Population of Bristol County reaches 534,678.