Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Mifflintown, Pennsylvania
( Marker is on Main Street near Bridge Street (Pennsylvania Route 35), on the right when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 1870

  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 successful commercially produced automobile in America was built in Philadelphia in 1895 by the Duryea brothers.
Pennsylvania random facts
Juniata County is located in central Pennsylvania and has a rich history dating back to the early 18th century. The area that is now Juniata County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Tuscarora and Susquehannock tribes. European settlers began arriving in the area in the early 1700s, with the first permanent settlements established around 1755.

During the American Revolution, Juniata County played a significant role. In 1776, Mifflintown, the county seat, was founded and named after Thomas Mifflin, a prominent patriot and Pennsylvania Governor. The area saw numerous skirmishes and battles during the war, as it was strategically located along the Susquehanna River.

In the 19th century, Juniata County became known for its agricultural industry, with farming and dairy becoming the main economic drivers. The county's rich soil and access to transportation through the Pennsylvania Canal and later the Pennsylvania Railroad allowed for the growth of these industries. Manually-operated gristmills and sawmills were also essential to the county's development.

Today, Juniata County remains a predominantly rural area, known for its beautiful landscapes and small-town charm. Its economy is still largely based on agriculture, with farming and livestock playing a significant role. The county is also home to historic sites, including the Juniata County Historical Society Museum, which provides a glimpse into its past and showcases the various periods of its history.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Juniata County, Pennsylvania.

  • March 2, 1831 - Juniata County is created from portions of Mifflin County and Perry County.
  • 1832 - The county seat is established in Mifflintown.
  • 1846 - Arch Rock, a natural stone formation, becomes a popular tourist attraction.
  • 1864 - The Battle of Lost Creek, a minor skirmish during the Civil War, takes place in the county.
  • 1873 - Juniata County Agricultural Society is formed to promote agriculture and hold annual fairs.
  • 1907 - The Port Royal Speedway, a dirt track for auto racing, opens in Juniata County.
  • 1944 - Walker Bridge, a historic covered bridge, is built over Lost Creek.
  • 2004 - The Juniata County Historical Society is established to preserve and promote the county's history.