Historical Marker

Westfield Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
Westfield, Massachusetts
( Marker is at the intersection of Court Street (U.S. 20) and Elm Street (U.S. 202), on the left when traveling east on Court Street.)
Marker installed: 1871

  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 Boston Marathon, one of the world's oldest annual marathons, has been held since 1897. It takes place on Patriots' Day, a Massachusetts state holiday commemorating the start of the American Revolutionary War.
Massachusetts random facts
Hampden County, located in western Massachusetts, has a rich history that has shaped its development over the years. The county was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Pocomtuc and Nipmuc tribes, before the arrival of European settlers. In the early 17th century, English colonists established settlements in the region, with Springfield being founded in 1636 by William Pynchon.

During the colonial period, Hampden County played a significant role in the American Revolution. Springfield served as a major supply and support base for the Continental Army, and the county became a hub of activity as the patriots fought for independence. After the Revolutionary War, the county experienced rapid industrialization, especially with the rise of textile mills and the development of transportation infrastructure like canals and railroads.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Hampden County continued to prosper as its industries expanded. It became a center for manufacturing and innovation, with cities like Springfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee leading the way in industries such as papermaking, armaments, and automobile manufacturing.

However, like many other industrial areas, Hampden County faced challenges in the latter half of the 20th century as industries declined and jobs were lost. Efforts have been made in recent years to revitalize the region through diversification and by focusing on sectors like healthcare, education, and technology. Hampden County remains a vibrant community with a mix of urban and suburban areas, preserving its historical sites while embracing the opportunities of the future.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Hampden County, Massachusetts.

  • Hampden County is created in 1812
  • Springfield, the county seat, is settled in 1636
  • Westfield is settled in 1660
  • Holyoke is settled in 1745
  • Chicopee is settled in 1848
  • Palmer is incorporated in 1775
  • Hampden County experiences significant industrialization in the 19th century
  • Springfield becomes known as the "City of Homes" in the early 20th century
  • The Great New England Hurricane of 1938 causes significant damage to Hampden County
  • Westover Air Force Base is established in Chicopee in 1940
  • Springfield experiences a tornado outbreak in 2011, causing widespread destruction