Historical Marker

Washington NH Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Washington, New Hampshire
( Memorial is at the intersection of S. Main Street (New Hampshire Route 31) and Halfmoon Pond Road, in the median on S. Main Street.)
Marker installed: 1867

  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 Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, located on the Piscataqua River in Kittery, Maine, was established in 1800 and has built and repaired many of the U.S. Navy's ships.
New Hampshire random facts
Sullivan County, located in southwestern New Hampshire, has a rich history dating back centuries. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Abenaki and Pennacook, who utilized the plentiful natural resources for hunting and gathering.

European settlement began in the late 18th century, with the town of Charlestown being incorporated in 1753. This marked the beginning of pioneer settlements throughout the county, which were primarily focused on agriculture, sawmills, and small-scale industries. These settlements expanded rapidly during the Revolutionary War period, and several towns were incorporated in the late 1700s and early 1800s.

The county was named after General John Sullivan, a Revolutionary War hero and the former president of New Hampshire, who played a significant role in the region's development. Sullivan County continued to grow throughout the 19th century, as the construction of railroads facilitated transportation and spurred industrialization. Numerous mills, factories, and farms thrived along the Connecticut River, which serves as the county's western boundary.

In the 20th century, Sullivan County faced economic challenges due to the decline of traditional industries such as agriculture and manufacturing. However, tourism emerged as a growing sector with the establishment of recreational areas, including Mount Sunapee Resort and Pillsbury State Park. Today, Sullivan County maintains a balance between its agricultural heritage, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities, making it a desirable place for residents and visitors alike.

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

  • 1771 - Sullivan County is established as a county in the state of New Hampshire.
  • 1789 - The town of Newport is incorporated.
  • 1791 - The town of Claremont is incorporated.
  • 1827 - The town of Charlestown is incorporated.
  • 1837 - The town of Lempster is incorporated.
  • 1847 - The town of Unity is incorporated.
  • 1875 - The town of Acworth is incorporated.
  • 1876 - The town of Croydon is incorporated.
  • 1921 - The town of Cornish is incorporated.
  • 1947 - The town of Washington is incorporated.
  • 1969 - The town of Grantham is incorporated.
  • 1973 - The town of Sunapee is incorporated.
  • 1991 - The town of Goshen is incorporated.
  • 2000 - The town of Sullivan is incorporated.