Washburn, C.P., Grain Mill
Central and Cambridge Sts., Middleboro, MA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
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 National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Massachusetts Bay Colony, founded in 1630, was one of the original 13 colonies that formed the United States. It played a significant role in the American Revolution and the formation of the new nation.
In 1620, the Pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower and established Plymouth Colony, marking the first permanent European settlement in New England. The Pilgrims faced numerous challenges, including harsh winters and conflicts with the Native Americans. Despite these challenges, they managed to create a thriving community and establish democratic principles that would influence the development of the United States.
As the years went by, Plymouth County grew and played a crucial role in the American Revolution. The town of Marshfield in Plymouth County was home to many important figures of the time, including John and Abigail Adams, who played key roles in the revolutionary movement. The county also saw the birth of other notable historical figures, such as Isaac Winslow, a prominent military leader during the French and Indian War.
During the 19th century, Plymouth County experienced significant industrial growth, thanks to the expansion of industries like shipbuilding, textiles, and manufacturing. The county's coastal location made it an ideal location for these industries to flourish. At the same time, Plymouth County became a popular tourist destination due to its historical significance, particularly in Plymouth, where the Pilgrim story attracted many visitors.
Today, Plymouth County continues to thrive as a diverse and vibrant community. It is home to beautiful coastal towns, suburban neighborhoods, and rural areas that provide a mix of historical charm and modern amenities. The county remains an important cultural and historical hub, with numerous museums and landmarks dedicated to preserving and celebrating its rich heritage.
Plymouth County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Plymouth County, Massachusetts.
- 1620: Pilgrims from England establish Plymouth Colony, making it the first permanent European settlement in New England.
- 1692: Plymouth Colony merges with Massachusetts Bay Colony to form the Province of Massachusetts Bay.
- 1712: Plymouth County is officially established as a county within the Province of Massachusetts Bay.
- 1774: Plymouth County residents form a Committee of Correspondence to coordinate opposition to British rule.
- 1783: The Treaty of Paris officially ends the Revolutionary War, securing American independence from Britain and affecting Plymouth County residents.
- 1820: Massachusetts becomes the 23rd state, and Plymouth County remains part of the new state.
- 1861: The American Civil War begins, and Plymouth County residents enlist and participate in the conflict.
- 1895: The Old Colony Railroad, connecting Plymouth County with Boston and other areas, is completed.
- 1959: Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station, the first commercial nuclear power plant in the United States, begins operation in Plymouth County.
- 2010: The population of Plymouth County reaches approximately 494,919 residents.