Historical Marker

Rush Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
Rush, New York
( Memorial is at the intersection of East Henrietta Road (New York State Route 15A) and Lehigh Street, on the left when traveling south on East Henrietta Road.)

April 12, 1961 - May 9, 1865

  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 Erie Canal, which opened in 1825 and connects the Hudson River to the Great Lakes, was originally mocked as "Clinton's Folly" after Governor DeWitt Clinton, who championed the project. However, the canal became an economic boon for New York and helped turn the state into a major commercial center.
New York random facts
Monroe County, located in western New York state, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous Native American tribes, including the Seneca and the Tonawanda Seneca Nations. These tribes thrived in the region, relying on the abundant resources provided by the Genesee River and the surrounding land.

In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the fertile soil and the potential for trade along the river. In 1808, Monroe County was officially established and named after President James Monroe. The early years were marked by agricultural development, with farms and mills being established across the county.

The construction of the Erie Canal in the early 19th century had a significant impact on Monroe County. The canal connected the Great Lakes with the Hudson River, making Rochester, the county seat, a bustling center of commerce and industry. Businesses flourished as the city became a major transportation hub, attracting entrepreneurs and immigrants from all over the world.

Throughout the 20th century, Monroe County continued to develop and diversify. Rochester became known as the "Flower City," with flourishing horticulture and seed industries. The county also played a vital role in the manufacturing sector, particularly in the production of cameras, optical equipment, and other technological advancements.

Today, Monroe County remains a vibrant and thriving region, with a strong economy and a rich cultural heritage. The county is home to numerous educational institutions, including the University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology, solidifying its reputation as a center for innovation and knowledge. While industry has evolved and changed over the years, the county continues to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Monroe County, New York.

  • 1683 - Monroe County is part of Albany County, which was formed by the English colonial government.
  • 1796 - The Treaty of Big Tree is signed, transferring land in Monroe County from the Seneca Nation to the United States.
  • 1812 - Haussauer's Mills, now known as Rochester, is settled by European-American settlers on the Genesee River.
  • 1821 - Monroe County is officially created as a county from parts of Genesee County and Ontario County.
  • 1823 - Rochester becomes the county seat of Monroe County.
  • 1834 - Nathaniel Rochester, one of Rochester's founders, dies. The city is named after him.
  • 1842 - The Erie Canal is enlarged and deepened, boosting Rochester's economy and population.
  • 1853 - Rochester becomes an incorporated city.
  • 1905 - The City of Rochester annexes several surrounding towns and villages, expanding its borders.
  • 1950s - Kodak and Xerox, both headquartered in Rochester, have their heyday and contribute to the local economy.
  • 2017 - Unity Health System and Rochester General Health System merge to form Rochester Regional Health, a major healthcare provider in the area.