Historical Marker

"We shall come to a civil war"

Historical marker location:
President's House Site N of Liberty Bell Pavilion, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
( Marker is at the intersection of Market Street and South Independence Mall West (6th Street), on the right when traveling east on Market 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 U.S. Navy submarine, the USS Holland, was built in Philadelphia in 1900.
Pennsylvania random facts
Philadelphia County, located in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania, has a rich and diverse history that spans more than three centuries. Its history can be traced back to the late 17th century when William Penn founded the city of Philadelphia in 1682 as the capital of the Pennsylvania Colony. The area, originally inhabited by indigenous Lenape people, quickly grew into a major center for trade, commerce, and governance.

During the 18th century, Philadelphia became a hotbed of political activity and played a significant role in the American Revolution. It was in Philadelphia that the Second Continental Congress met and adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The city also served as the temporary capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800, while Washington, D.C., was under construction.

In the 19th century, Philadelphia County experienced significant industrial growth, becoming a major center for manufacturing and transportation. The county’s location along the Delaware River made it an ideal hub for the shipping and textile industries. Immigrants from various countries, including Ireland, Italy, and Germany, flocked to Philadelphia in search of employment opportunities, leading to a demographic shift and cultural diversity within the county.

In the 20th century, Philadelphia County faced its fair share of challenges and underwent periods of economic decline. However, the city and county have since revitalized and reinvented themselves as a dynamic and thriving metropolis. Today, Philadelphia County is known for its rich history, vibrant arts and culture scene, iconic landmarks such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, and its role as a major center for education and healthcare.

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

  • 1624 - Dutch explorer Cornelius Jacobsen Mey claims the area for the Dutch Republic
  • 1682 - William Penn founds the city of Philadelphia as the capital of the Pennsylvania colony
  • 1701 - Philadelphia becomes a separate county, known as Philadelphia County
  • 1774-1778 - Philadelphia serves as the temporary capital of the United States during the Revolutionary War
  • 1787 - Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) hosts the Constitutional Convention
  • 1800-1830 - Philadelphia experiences rapid industrial growth and becomes a major manufacturing center
  • 1844 - Consolidation Act merges Philadelphia City and Philadelphia County into a single governmental entity
  • 1861-1865 - Philadelphia supports the Union during the American Civil War
  • 1876 - Philadelphia hosts the Centennial Exposition to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
  • 1901 - Philadelphia's population exceeds one million, becoming the third-largest city in the United States
  • 1952 - Independence National Historical Park is established, encompassing many key historic sites in Philadelphia
  • 1976 - Philadelphia celebrates the United States' Bicentennial with various events and festivities