Historical Marker

South Hadley Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
South Hadley, Massachusetts
( Memorial is at the intersection of College Street (Massachusetts Route 116) and Hadley Street (Massachusetts Route 47), on the right when traveling south on College Street.)
Marker installed: 1896

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of Massachusetts.
Boston's Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox baseball team, is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. It opened in 1912 and is still in use today.
Massachusetts random facts
Hampshire County, Massachusetts, has a rich history dating back to colonial times. It was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Pocumtuc and Nipmuc peoples. In 1659, the Massachusetts Bay Colony granted a charter to a group of settlers known as the Hampshire Proprietors, who established the area as a frontier settlement.

During the 18th century, Hampshire County became an important center for agriculture and industry. The fertile Connecticut River Valley allowed for the cultivation of crops such as wheat and tobacco, while mills and factories sprang up along the riverbanks to harness water power. The town of Northampton, in particular, became a hub of activity with its bustling marketplaces and thriving trade.

The 19th century brought significant social and cultural changes to Hampshire County. It became a center for abolitionist activity, with influential figures such as Sojourner Truth and David Ruggles advocating for the end of slavery. The area also gained prominence in the fields of education and the arts, with the establishment of prestigious institutions like Amherst College and Mount Holyoke College.

In the 20th century, Hampshire County continued to evolve as an intellectual and cultural hub. The town of Amherst became renowned for its connection to the literary giants of the time, including Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost. The county also played a key role in the countercultural movements of the 1960s and 1970s, with Hampshire College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst attracting students seeking alternative forms of education.

Today, Hampshire County maintains its reputation as a vibrant and progressive area, known for its beautiful landscapes, top-notch educational institutions, and rich cultural heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Hampshire County, Massachusetts.

  • 1662: Hampshire County established as one of three original counties in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
  • 1665: Northampton becomes the county seat.
  • 1761: Amherst is incorporated as a separate town.
  • 1774: Mount Tom in Holyoke witnesses Shay's Rebellion, a major uprising against perceived economic and civil rights injustices.
  • 1821: The Hampshire and Hampden Canal is completed, connecting Northampton to the Connecticut River.
  • 1851: Hampshire County's first railroad, the Northampton and Springfield Railroad, commences operations.
  • 1861-1865: Hampshire County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1879: Smith College is founded in Northampton as a private, liberal arts college exclusively for women.
  • 1938: The Great New England Hurricane, one of the most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history, causes significant damage in Hampshire County.
  • 1974: Hampshire County Courthouse in Northampton is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2004: Hampshire County experiences a devastating flood caused by heavy rain from a tropical storm.