Historical Marker

Annapolis During The Civil War

Historical marker location:
100 Westgate Circle, Annapolis, Maryland
( Marker is at the intersection of Taylor Avenue (Maryland Route 435) and Westgate Circle, on the right when traveling north on Taylor Avenue.)

Annapolis Charter 300 1708-2008. Commemorating the 1708 Royal Charter under Queen Anne to the City of Annapolis

  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.

Maryland was the birthplace of the national anthem: The national anthem of the United States, "The Star-Spangled Banner," was written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812. Key witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor and was inspired by the American flag still flying over the fort at dawn.
Maryland random facts
Anne Arundel County, located in the state of Maryland, has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. The county was named after Anne Arundell, the wife of Cecilius Calvert, the Second Lord Baltimore, who founded the Maryland colony. In the early 17th century, European settlers began to arrive in the region, primarily from England, seeking new opportunities and religious freedom. Over time, the area developed into a prosperous agricultural region, with farming and tobacco cultivation being the mainstays of the local economy.

During the American Revolutionary War, Anne Arundel County played a significant role in the fight for independence. It was here that the Maryland Annapolis Convention, a precursor to the Continental Congress, passed the "Association of Freemen" in 1774, pledging support for the colonies' cause. The county also served as the temporary capital of the United States from November 1783 to August 1784 when Congress met in Annapolis.

In the 19th century, the industrial revolution brought change to Anne Arundel County, as the focus shifted from agriculture to manufacturing and industry. The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad connected the county to Baltimore and other major cities, boosting trade and commerce. The naval industry also became crucial, with the establishment of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis in 1845, making the county a significant naval center.

In the 20th century, Anne Arundel County experienced rapid suburbanization and urbanization, driven by its proximity to Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The population boomed, and new industries, such as technology and healthcare, emerged. Today, Anne Arundel County is a vibrant and diverse community, known for its historic charm, cultural heritage, and stunning waterfront landscapes. From its beginnings as an agricultural region to its present-day urbanized status, the county continues to evolve while honoring its deep-rooted history.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

  • 1600s: Colonial settlers arrive in the area that would become Anne Arundel County.
  • 1650: The area is officially established as Anne Arundel County, named after Lady Anne Arundell, the wife of Cecil Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore.
  • 1695: The county seat is established in Annapolis, which becomes the capital of Maryland.
  • 1708: The first courthouse is built in Annapolis.
  • 1774: The Annapolis Convention is held, where Maryland delegates discuss colonial grievances and plan responses to British rule.
  • 1783: The Treaty of Paris is signed, officially ending the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1809: St. John's College is founded in Annapolis.
  • 1845: The Naval Academy is established in Annapolis.
  • 1861: The Civil War begins, and Annapolis becomes an important Union naval base.
  • 1900s: Anne Arundel County experiences significant growth, especially in the areas of education and transportation.
  • 1998: The expansion of Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is completed.
  • Present: Anne Arundel County continues to thrive as a vibrant hub of education, government, and culture in Maryland.