Historical Marker

Site of Laurel's Civil War Hospital

Historical marker location:
337 Main Street, Laurel, Maryland
( Marker can be reached from the intersection of Main Street and Avondale Street, on the left 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.

The University of Maryland was founded in 1856: The University of Maryland, College Park, was founded in 1856 as the Maryland Agricultural College. Today, it is the flagship campus of the University System of Maryland and is one of the largest universities in the state.
Maryland random facts
Prince George's County, Maryland has a rich history dating back to the arrival of European settlers in the 17th century. Originally home to Native American tribes such as the Piscataway and Yaocomico, the area was explored by the English in the early 1600s. In 1696, Prince George's County was established and named after Prince George of Denmark, the husband of Queen Anne. The county became a significant agricultural region, with tobacco being the primary crop.

During the American Revolutionary War, Prince George's County played a crucial role in the fight for independence. Many residents joined the Continental Army, and the county served as a crucial transportation route between Maryland and Virginia. The county's plantations were also centers for pro-Revolutionary activities. Notable figures from Prince George's County, such as Thomas Stone and Samuel Ogle, played important roles in the early days of the United States.

In the 19th century, the county's agricultural economy shifted from tobacco to other crops such as wheat and corn. The construction of the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad in the mid-1800s brought significant changes to the region, spurring industrial development and urbanization. Towns and communities grew around the railway stations, leading to the establishment of schools, churches, and businesses.

In the 20th century, Prince George's County experienced rapid population growth and suburbanization. The county became a popular residential area for those working in nearby Washington, D.C., leading to the construction of numerous housing developments. The county also became a hub for government and educational institutions, hosting the University of Maryland and numerous federal agencies. Today, Prince George's County is a dynamic area with a diverse population, a mix of suburban and urban areas, and a thriving economy.

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

  • 1696: Prince George's County is established by the Maryland General Assembly.
  • 1721: The county courthouse is built in Upper Marlboro.
  • 1776: Prince George's County citizens sign the Declaration of Independence.
  • 1801: The town of Bladensburg becomes the county seat.
  • 1850: The Washington Branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad opens in the county.
  • 1864: The Battle of Bladensburg takes place during the American Civil War.
  • 1880s: The establishment of streetcar lines leads to suburban development in the county.
  • 1908: The Washington Senators baseball team moves to Prince George's County and becomes the Washington Nationals.
  • 1930: The University of Maryland, College Park is founded in the county.
  • 1958: The Capital Beltway (Interstate 495) is completed, connecting the county to the surrounding areas.
  • 1974: The Washington Metro Green Line begins service in Prince George's County.