Historical Marker

Town of Hoosick Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Hoosick Falls, New York
( Memorial is at the intersection of High Street (New York State Route 22) and Classic Street, on the right when traveling north on High Street.)
Marker installed: 1878

  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.

In 1945, the United Nations was established in New York City, and its headquarters is located on a 17-acre site on the east side of Manhattan overlooking the East River.
New York random facts
Rensselaer County is located in the eastern part of the state of New York and has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 17th century. Originally inhabited by the Mohican Native American tribe, the land was first explored by European settlers in the early 1600s. The Dutch were the first to establish a permanent settlement called Beverwyck, which served as a trading post along the Hudson River.

In 1664, the British took control of the area and renamed it Albany after the Duke of York and Albany. Rensselaer County was officially established in 1791, named after the influential Dutch landowner, Kiliaen van Rensselaer. The county grew rapidly during the Industrial Revolution, with the construction of the Erie Canal in the early 19th century, which connected the Hudson River to the Great Lakes, boosting trade and transportation.

During the American Revolution, Rensselaer County played a significant role. The Battle of Bennington, a pivotal event in the war, took place just across the border in present-day Vermont. Several notable figures emerged from the region, including Samuel Wilson, who inspired the national symbol "Uncle Sam," and Emma Willard, a pioneer in women's education.

Today, Rensselaer County is known for its thriving industries, including technology, healthcare, and education. It is home to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, one of the oldest technological universities in the United States. The county also boasts a diverse cultural scene, with numerous museums, parks, and landmarks that showcase its historical significance.

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

  • 1609 - Henry Hudson explores Hudson River
  • 1624 - Dutch establish Fort Orange
  • 1630 - Patroonship of Rensselaerswyck established
  • 1664 - English take control of Fort Orange
  • 1776 - Battle of Bennington during American Revolution
  • 1791 - Rensselaer County formed from Albany County
  • 1826 - Construction of Erie Canal begins
  • 1857 - Troy becomes a city
  • 1862-1865 - Rensselaer County contributes troops during the Civil War
  • 1898 - Brunswick declared the official name for Brittonkill
  • 1906 - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute becomes a university