National Register Listing

Walpole Town Hall

Main St., Walpole, MA
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
  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.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

politics government architecture Civil War military
Audiobooks about the history of Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts state flag features a Native American warrior holding a bow and arrow, with a star representing Massachusetts above his head. The state motto, "Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem" (By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty), appears on a blue ribbon beneath the shield.
Massachusetts random facts
Norfolk County, Massachusetts, has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1793. The area was initially settled by Native American tribes, specifically the Massachusett tribe, whose name the state also derived from. However, in the early 17th century, European colonists began to arrive in the region, bringing about significant changes.

In the 1630s, English settlers established the town of Dedham, which would become the first town within what is now Norfolk County. The town served as a political and administrative center for the surrounding area. Over time, more towns were established, including Wrentham, Franklin, and Stoughton, leading to the county's official formation in 1793.

Norfolk County played a significant role during the American Revolution. Many residents actively participated in the war effort, with some joining the Continental Army and others serving as Minutemen. The county was also the site of important engagements, such as the Battle of Bunker Hill in nearby Charlestown.

During the 19th century, Norfolk County underwent various changes and developments. The region was primarily agrarian, with farming and manufacturing being the primary industries. However, with the growth of urban areas like Boston, Norfolk County began to experience suburbanization. Improved transportation infrastructure, such as the construction of railroads, facilitated commuting between the county and the city.

Today, Norfolk County continues to thrive as a suburban area with a diverse economy. It is home to a range of industries, including healthcare, education, technology, and finance. The county also boasts numerous parks, recreational areas, and historical sites, attracting both residents and visitors alike.

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

  • 1679 - Norfolk County is established by the Massachusetts Bay Colony
  • 1700s - Towns within Norfolk County begin to develop and grow
  • 1775-1783 - Norfolk County residents actively participate in the American Revolutionary War
  • 1793 - The Norfolk County Court House is built in Dedham
  • 1801 - Weymouth becomes the first town to separate from Norfolk County
  • 1822 - Quincy separates from Norfolk County
  • 1845 - Norfolk County experiences significant population growth due to industrialization
  • 1863-1865 - Many Norfolk County residents served in the American Civil War
  • 1915 - The Blue Hills Reservation is established, providing recreational opportunities for residents
  • 1956 - The Massachusetts Turnpike is extended through Norfolk County, improving transportation
  • Present - Norfolk County continues to be a vibrant area with a diverse economy and rich history