Bozrah Civil War Monument
Historical marker location: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 telephone book was issued in New Haven, Connecticut in 1878. It contained just 50 listings.
In 1646, New London was officially founded and soon became an important center for maritime trade and commerce. The town grew rapidly throughout the 18th century, attracting merchants, shipbuilders, and sailors from around the world. It played a significant role in the American Revolution as a hub for privateers, who were privately owned ships that were authorized to attack enemy vessels. New London was also a major port for the whaling industry, with numerous ships departing from its shores in search of valuable whale oil.
During the 19th century, New London County continued to prosper as a maritime center. It was a major hub for the shipping and shipbuilding industry, with many shipyards along the Thames River. The county also played a crucial role in the development of submarine warfare, as the United States Navy established the Naval Submarine Base in Groton in 1868. This base has since become the primary East Coast homeport for the Navy's fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.
In the 20th century, New London County experienced significant changes in its economic landscape. While the maritime industry declined, the county diversified its economy by attracting manufacturing, healthcare, and education sectors. Today, New London County remains an important center for education, with several colleges and universities located in the area. Its rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic beauty continue to attract tourists and visitors from around the world.
New London County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of New London County, Connecticut.
- 1614 - Dutch explorer Adriaen Block visits the area that would later become New London County.
- 1646 - English colonists establish the town of New London.
- 1662 - The Connecticut Colony grants New London County its charter.
- 1692 - The town of Stonington is incorporated.
- 1784 - The city of Norwich is incorporated.
- 1786 - The town of Groton is incorporated.
- 1848 - The city of New London is incorporated.
- 1869 - The city of Norwich becomes the county seat.
- 1951 - The Naval Submarine Base New London is established in Groton.