Historical Marker

Seneca Mills During the Civil War

Historical marker location:
16315 Old River Road, Seneca, Maryland
( Marker can be reached from Old River Road north of River Road, on the right when traveling north.)

  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 home to the first African American woman to hold a patent: In 1885, Sarah E. Goode, an African American woman from Baltimore, became the first African American woman to hold a U.S. patent. Her invention was a folding cabinet bed, which was designed to save space in small apartments.
Maryland random facts
Montgomery County, Maryland has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Piscataway and the Seneca. The first European explorers arrived in the 17th century, with English settlers establishing tobacco plantations along the Potomac River. The county was officially formed in 1776, named after General Richard Montgomery, an American Revolutionary War hero.

During the 19th century, Montgomery County remained predominantly agricultural, with farms and small villages dotting the landscape. The construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in the 1820s brought economic growth and trade to the county's towns located along the canal route. In 1852, the arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad further stimulated development, connecting the county to other parts of Maryland and neighboring states.

In the 20th century, Montgomery County experienced significant suburbanization as Washington, D.C. expanded. The county became an attractive residential area for people working in the nation's capital. The completion of the Capital Beltway in the 1960s facilitated commuting and led to further growth and development. Montgomery County became known for its excellent schools, diverse neighborhoods, and a thriving economy, attracting people from various backgrounds and cultures.

Today, Montgomery County is one of the most populous and affluent counties in Maryland. It is home to a vibrant and diverse community, with a strong economy driven by industries such as biotechnology, healthcare, government agencies, and education. The county offers a wide range of recreational amenities, from parks and hiking trails to cultural institutions and shopping centers.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Montgomery County, Maryland.

  • 1694 - Montgomery County established as part of Maryland colony
  • 1700s - Early settlements and growth in agriculture
  • 1776 - Montgomery County residents support American Revolution
  • 1801 - Capital of the United States moves to Washington, D.C., just south of Montgomery County
  • 1850s - Construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal brings economic development
  • 1861-1865 - Montgomery County residents participate in the American Civil War
  • 1873 - Great Montgomery County Fair established
  • 1878 - Founding of the Maryland Agricultural College (now University of Maryland)
  • 1890s - Introduction of electric streetcars
  • 1950s - Suburbanization and rapid population growth
  • 1970s - Construction of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Red Line
  • 1980s - Establishment of technology and biotechnology industries in the county
  • 2000s - Growth of diverse communities and emphasis on environmental sustainability