Historical Marker

Poultney Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
East Poultney, Vermont
( Marker is at the intersection of Town Hill Road and Vermont Route 140, on the right when traveling east on Town Hill Road.)
Marker installed: 1915

1861-1865

  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.

Vermont was the first state to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples: In 2000, Vermont became the first state in the United States to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples. This was a significant milestone in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
Vermont random facts
Rutland County, located in the southern part of Vermont, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Abenaki tribe. European settlement began in the mid-1700s when New England colonists ventured into the region.

The county began to flourish with the arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century, which led to a boom in industry and commerce. Rutland became a major transportation hub, connecting the rural communities of Vermont with larger cities like Boston and New York. With the railroad came a significant increase in population, as people migrated to the area in search of new opportunities.

Rutland County was known for its manufacturing prowess in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The region's natural resources, including marble and slate, drove the growth of industries such as stone quarrying and mining. Marble extracted from Rutland County was used in notable architectural projects across the country, including the New York Public Library and the Arlington National Cemetery.

The decline of the railroad industry, along with changing economic factors, posed challenges for Rutland County in the 20th century. The phasing out of steam locomotives and the rise of the automobile necessitated the development of new industries to sustain the county's economy. Today, Rutland County has diversified its economic base, with sectors such as healthcare, education, tourism, and manufacturing playing significant roles in the local economy. The county continues to honor its rich history while looking towards the future with optimism.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Rutland County, Vermont.

  • 1761 - Rutland County is chartered and established as a county in the state of Vermont
  • 1792 - Rutland becomes the third county seat, after Wallingford and Castleton
  • 1835 - The Rutland Railroad begins service, connecting Rutland to other parts of Vermont and New York
  • 1861-1865 - Rutland County residents actively participate in the American Civil War
  • 1894 - Rutland City is incorporated as a city within Rutland County
  • 1946 - Vermont State Fair moves to Rutland, boosting the local economy and tourism
  • 1955 - Rutland becomes the first city in Vermont to have a broadcasting television station
  • 1970s - Rutland County experiences significant population growth and development
  • 1980 - Proctor Marble Museum opens, showcasing the county's historic marble industry
  • 2011 - The Vermont State Fair celebrates its 165th anniversary