Historical Marker

Cumberland County Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
( Marker is at the intersection of High Street (U.S. 11) and Hanover Street (Pennsylvania Route 34), on the right when traveling east on High Street.)

  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 zoo in America was established in Philadelphia in 1874.
Pennsylvania random facts
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania has a rich history dating back to its Native American inhabitants, primarily the Shawnee and Delaware tribes. European settlement in the region began in the early 18th century, with the establishment of several trading posts and forts. The county was officially created in 1750 and named after the Cumberland Valley, which is itself named after the county of Cumberland in England.

During the American Revolution, Cumberland County played a significant role as a pivotal location. The county was home to several important military installations, including Carlisle Barracks, one of the nation's oldest army posts. Carlisle Barracks served as a training ground for troops and a prison for British soldiers during the war.

In the 19th century, Cumberland County experienced significant economic growth and development. The completion of the Cumberland Valley Railroad in 1837 opened up new opportunities for trade and industry. The county became a prominent center for manufacturing, with industries such as ironworks, textile mills, and paper production thriving.

Cumberland County also played a crucial role in the Civil War. During the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, the county served as a supply base and hospital center for the Union Army. Thousands of wounded soldiers were treated in makeshift hospitals across the county.

Today, Cumberland County is a vibrant and diverse community with a strong agricultural heritage. It boasts a mix of rural landscapes, small towns, and urban centers. The county's history is preserved and celebrated through a variety of historic sites, museums, and festivals, ensuring that the rich heritage of Cumberland County continues to be cherished for generations to come.

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

  • 1750s - European settlers begin to arrive in the area that would become Cumberland County
  • 1750 - Carlisle, the county seat, is founded by John Armstrong
  • 1754-1763 - The French and Indian War brings increased conflict to the region
  • 1776 - Cumberland County plays a key role in the American Revolution
  • 1784 - The Carlisle Barracks are established as a military post
  • 1841 - Dickinson College is founded in Carlisle
  • 1863 - The Battle of Gettysburg takes place in neighboring Adams County
  • 1902 - The U.S. Army War College is established at Carlisle Barracks
  • 1955 - Cumberland County hosts the first Army-Navy football game
  • Present - Cumberland County continues to grow and thrive as a prominent area of central Pennsylvania