Historical Marker

Shirley Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Shirley, Massachusetts
( Memorial is at the intersection of Parker Road and Center Road, on the right when traveling south on Parker Road.)

  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.

In 1837, Harvard University held a "prostitute parade" where students marched through Boston with prostitutes to protest a law that would have made it illegal to hire women for "immoral purposes."
Massachusetts random facts
Middlesex County, MA, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the early colonial period. It was established in 1643 and was one of the original counties created in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The region was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Massachusett and Nipmuc peoples.

In the late 17th century, Middlesex County became an important center of trade and agriculture, with towns like Concord and Cambridge playing significant roles in the American Revolution. The famous Battle of Lexington and Concord, the first military engagements of the war, took place in Middlesex County in 1775.

During the industrial revolution in the 19th century, Middlesex County experienced rapid urbanization and economic growth. The county's proximity to Boston and ample water resources allowed for the development of mills and factories, especially in cities like Lowell and Lawrence. These industrial centers became important hubs for textiles, manufacturing, and technology, drawing immigrants from around the world to work in the growing industries.

In the 20th century, Middlesex County continued to evolve. The county became a thriving center for higher education, with renowned institutions such as Harvard University and MIT located in Cambridge. The booming tech industry in the Silicon Valley of the East also contributed to the county's economic prosperity, attracting companies like Raytheon and Oracle.

Today, Middlesex County remains a dynamic and diverse county, with a mix of urban areas and historic towns. Its rich history, cultural institutions, and educational opportunities make it a vibrant and sought-after place to live, work, and visit.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Middlesex County, Massachusetts.

  • 1643: Middlesex County is established as one of the original counties in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
  • 1656: Cambridge, later known as Cambridge Village and then Newtown, is established.
  • 1676: King Philip's War affects the county, with several towns attacked and many residents killed or captured.
  • 1754: The county seat is moved from Cambridge to Concord.
  • 1774: Lexington and Concord, two towns in Middlesex County, play a critical role in the American Revolutionary War with the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
  • 1803: Framingham becomes the county seat, replacing Concord.
  • 1825: Charles River Bridge, connecting Boston and Charlestown in Middlesex County, is the first major suspension bridge in the United States.
  • 1863: Arlington is established as a separate town from the western part of Cambridge.
  • 1974: Middlesex County government is abolished, and most governmental functions are assumed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.