Historical Marker

Graham Post No. 106 G.A.R. Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Pottstown, Pennsylvania
( Marker is on Hanover Street, on the right when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 1879

Our Fallen Comrades

  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.

Philadelphia is home to the oldest continuously operating farmers' market in the United States, the Reading Terminal Market, which opened in 1893.
Pennsylvania random facts
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1784. The county was named after General Richard Montgomery, an American Revolutionary War hero. Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Lenni Lenape.

During the colonial era, Montgomery County played a crucial role in the founding of the United States. Philadelphia, located within the county's borders, served as the temporary capital of the nation while Washington, D.C. was being constructed. Many notable historical events took place in the county, including the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

In the 19th century, Montgomery County experienced significant industrial growth. The region became renowned for its iron production, thanks to the presence of abundant natural resources such as iron ore and limestone. Industries like textiles, papermaking, and weaving also flourished during this time.

As the 20th century dawned, Montgomery County continued to evolve. The county experienced suburbanization and saw increased population growth, fueled by improved transportation infrastructure and the expansion of Philadelphia's urban sprawl. Today, Montgomery County is a vibrant and diverse community with a strong economy, excellent educational institutions, and numerous cultural and recreational amenities.

Overall, Montgomery County's history reflects its important contributions to the nation's development, from its colonial roots to its industrial past and modern-day prominence.

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

  • 1682: William Penn receives the charter for Pennsylvania, including present-day Montgomery County.
  • 1683: The area that is now Montgomery County is settled by Welsh Quakers.
  • 1784: Montgomery County is officially established as a county by the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
  • 1791: The first courthouse is built in Norristown, which becomes the county seat.
  • 1804: The Main Line of the Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad is completed, boosting the county's economy.
  • 1832: Montgomery County Agricultural Society is founded to promote agricultural practices.
  • 1851: The Pennsylvania Railroad opens a line through Norristown, further improving transportation in the county.
  • 1879: Valley Forge becomes a national military park to commemorate the American Revolution.
  • 1906: Bryn Mawr College is founded in Lower Merion Township, becoming one of the county's premier educational institutions.
  • 1925: The Montgomery County Courthouse is rebuilt and expanded in Norristown.
  • 1950s: The county experiences rapid suburbanization due to its proximity to Philadelphia.
  • 1961: The Montgomery County Community College is founded in Blue Bell.
  • 1989: The King of Prussia Mall opens, becoming one of the largest shopping malls in the United States.
  • 2012: Montgomery County becomes the first county in Pennsylvania to allow same-sex marriage.