Edgartown Civil War Memorial
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.
In the early 1600s, English explorers and colonists, led by Bartholomew Gosnold, began to settle in Dukes County. They established the first European settlement on Martha's Vineyard, known as "Old Town," in 1642. Over time, more English settlers arrived, creating several other towns on the island, including Edgartown and Vineyard Haven.
Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Dukes County thrived as a center of maritime trade and agriculture. Whaling became a significant industry for the islanders, and many wealthy whaling captains and merchants called Martha's Vineyard home. The population grew, and new industries such as fishing and farming also flourished.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Dukes County saw waves of tourism and development. Wealthy individuals from Boston and other cities began building summer homes on Martha's Vineyard, contributing to the growth of the island's economy and infrastructure. The county also became a popular vacation destination for artists, writers, and intellectuals, creating a vibrant cultural scene that continues to this day.
Overall, the history of Dukes County encompasses the early presence of Native Americans, European colonization, the rise of maritime trade and whaling, and the development of a thriving tourism industry. These diverse historical influences have shaped the culture and economy of Dukes County, making it the unique and beautiful place it is today.
Dukes County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Dukes County, Massachusetts.
- 1602: Bartholomew Gosnold becomes the first Englishman to set foot on Martha's Vineyard, located in present-day Dukes County.
- 1641: Martha's Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands officially become a part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
- 1683: Dukes County is established and named after the Duke of York, who later became King James II of England.
- 1695: The county seat is established in Edgartown.
- 1763: Tisbury is incorporated as a town in Dukes County.
- 1847: The first steam ferry service between Martha's Vineyard and Woods Hole, connecting Dukes County to the mainland, is established.
- 1855: Oak Bluffs is officially incorporated as a town.
- 1871: Dukes County Hospital is established in Oak Bluffs.
- 1938: The Great New England Hurricane causes significant damage to many towns in Dukes County.
- 1997: Gay Head Lighthouse, located in Aquinnah, is moved back from the eroding cliffs.