Historical Marker

Concord's Civil War Mustering Camps

Historical marker location:
100 Loudon Road, Concord, New Hampshire
( Marker is on Loudon Road (New Hampshire Route 9) east of Airport Road, on the right when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 2013

  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 first American to receive a patent was New Hampshire resident Samuel Hopkins, who patented a new method of making potash in 1790.
New Hampshire random facts
Merrimack County, located in the state of New Hampshire, has a rich history that dates back to the founding of the United States. The county was officially established in 1823 and is named after the Merrimack River, which flows through it. Prior to its establishment, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Pennacook and Abenaki peoples.

During the colonial era, European settlers built towns and villages along the Merrimack River, attracted by its fertile land and access to water transportation. Concord, the county seat and state capital, was founded in 1725 and became an important political and economic center in the region. It played a vital role during the American Revolution as the site of the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, which marked the beginning of the war.

In the 19th century, Merrimack County experienced significant industrialization and economic growth. The construction of canals and railroads connected the county to national markets, leading to the expansion of manufacturing industries, including textiles, paper mills, and granite quarries. The city of Franklin, known as the "Granite Capital of the World," became a major center for granite production, supplying materials for iconic structures like the Library of Congress and the Brooklyn Bridge.

In the 20th century, Merrimack County continued to develop its industrial and agricultural sectors. The Great Depression had a significant impact on the area, but it rebounded with the growth of defense-related industries during World War II. The county also saw advancements in education and culture, with the establishment of colleges, museums, and cultural organizations.

Today, Merrimack County remains an important hub of commerce, government, and culture in New Hampshire. Its historical significance, natural beauty, and vibrant communities make it a unique and desirable place to live and visit.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Merrimack County, New Hampshire.

  • 1765: Merrimack County is established as one of the five original counties in New Hampshire.
  • 1769: The county seat is established in the town of Salisbury.
  • 1772: The county seat is moved to the newly established town of Boscawen.
  • 1791: The county seat is transferred to Concord.
  • 1823: The county courthouse is built in Concord.
  • 1841: The Merrimack County Agricultural Society is founded.
  • 1846: The Merrimack County Savings Bank is established.
  • 1849: The Northern Railroad is completed, running through Merrimack County.
  • 1866: The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is organized in Concord.
  • 1889: The state prison is relocated to Concord.
  • 1893: The New Hampshire Historical Society is founded in Concord.
  • 1901: The county courthouse in Concord is destroyed by fire.
  • 1903: A new county courthouse is built in Concord.
  • 1907: The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen is formed in Concord.
  • 1941: The Mount Sunapee Resort opens in Newbury.
  • 1968: Merrimack Valley High School is established in Penacook.