Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania
( Memorial is on College Circle south of University Avenue, on the right when traveling south.)
Marker installed: 1957

  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 recorded U.S. flag-raising on foreign soil occurred in 1777, when the Stars and Stripes were flown during a naval battle off the coast of Quiberon Bay, France, commanded by Pennsylvania native John Paul Jones.
Pennsylvania random facts
Snyder County, Pennsylvania, has a rich history that begins with its settlement by European explorers and pioneers in the 18th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Susquehannock and the Lenape. In 1755, the infamous Penn's Creek Massacre occurred, resulting in the killing of 14 settlers by Native Americans during the French and Indian War. This event made it difficult for Europeans to settle in the area until a few decades later.

Snyder County was officially formed in 1855, named after the Snyder family who were prominent landowners in the region. The county's economy mainly relied on agriculture, with farms producing crops such as wheat, corn, and oats. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, several notable industries emerged, such as iron making, lumbering, and manufacturing. The introduction of the railroad in the late 1800s further contributed to the county's economic growth.

In the mid-20th century, Snyder County experienced a shift towards a more diversified economic base. Industries such as textiles, poultry farming, and food processing played a significant role in the county's economy. The construction of the Selinsgrove Dam on the Susquehanna River brought new recreational opportunities and helped to create Lake Augusta, a popular site for boating and fishing.

In recent years, Snyder County has seen a growth in tourism, thanks to its beautiful natural landscapes, historical sites, and recreational activities. The county is home to Susquehanna University, which attracts students and visitors from all over. Today, Snyder County retains its proud agricultural heritage while also embracing diverse industries and a growing tourism sector.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Snyder County, Pennsylvania.

  • 1755 - Snyder County, PA is founded
  • 1772 - First settlers arrive in the area
  • 1800 - Union County is split and Snyder County becomes a separate county
  • 1836 - Snyder County Courthouse is built in Middleburg
  • 1842 - Penns Creek Massacre occurs during the Native American conflicts
  • 1855 - Susquehanna University is established in Selinsgrove
  • 1858 - Snyder County Agricultural Society is formed
  • 1880 - Construction of the Sunbury and Lewistown Railroad begins
  • 1920 - Beaver Springs is incorporated as a borough
  • 1945 - Selinsgrove Speedway opens as a dirt track
  • 1977 - Snyder County Historical Society is founded