Historical Marker

Augusta, Maine – The Civil War

Historical marker location:
194 Winthrop St, Augusta, Maine
( Marker is at the intersection of Winthrop Street and Blaine Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Winthrop Street.)

The Museum in the Streets®

  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.

Maine has a unique lobstering tradition: Lobstering is a way of life in Maine, and it has been for generations. Lobstering was once considered a lowly profession, but now it is a highly respected and lucrative industry. Maine lobsters are renowned for their sweet flavor and are considered a delicacy around the world.
Maine random facts
Kennebec County, situated in the state of Maine, has a rich and varied history dating back thousands of years. Before European settlement, the region was inhabited by the indigenous peoples, including the Abenaki tribe. They relied on hunting, fishing, and agriculture and left behind the remnants of their villages and burial grounds.

In the 17th century, English settlers arrived in the area and began establishing colonies. The Kennebec Company, a group of Plymouth Colony investors, established Fort St. George in 1607 as a trading post and a center for the fur trade. However, conflicts with the local tribes, as well as harsh living conditions, led to the abandonment of the fort just a few years later.

During the American Revolution, Kennebec County played a significant role in the fight for independence. The town of Hallowell was a crucial manufacturing center, producing items such as cannons and ships for the Continental Army. Augusta, which became the county seat in 1799, was strategically located along the Kennebec River and served as a transportation hub during the war.

In the 19th century, Kennebec County experienced significant industrial growth. The construction of the Kennebec and Portland Railroad in 1849 provided a means for transporting goods, leading to the development of textile mills, paper mills, and other industries. These industries brought jobs and prosperity to the region, and the population of the county continued to grow.

Today, Kennebec County remains an important county in Maine. It is home to Augusta, the state capital, and offers a combination of historical attractions, natural beauty, and thriving communities. The county's rich history is celebrated through various museums, historic sites, and events, providing visitors and residents alike with a glimpse into its past.

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

  • 1674 - Kennebec County was originally part of Plymouth Colony.
  • 1692 - The area became part of Massachusetts Bay Colony.
  • 1799 - Kennebec County was established as a county in the state of Massachusetts.
  • 1820 - Maine became a separate state from Massachusetts, and Kennebec County became part of Maine.
  • 1832 - The state capital of Maine was moved from Portland to Augusta, located in Kennebec County.
  • 1870 - The Maine State House, the seat of government for the state, was completed in Augusta.
  • 1911 - Construction of the Augusta State Hospital, later known as the Augusta Mental Health Institute, began.
  • 1958 - The Maine Turnpike, connecting the cities of Portland and Augusta, was completed.
  • 1980 - Construction of the Augusta Civic Center, a large convention and exhibition center, was completed.