Historical Marker

City of Revere Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
281 Broadway, Revere, Massachusetts
( Memorial is at the intersection of Broadway and Reservoir Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Broadway.)
Marker installed: 1931

  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.
The first Thanksgiving in America was held in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621. The feast lasted for three days and was attended by both Pilgrims and Native Americans.
Massachusetts random facts
Suffolk County, located in eastern Massachusetts, has a long and rich history dating back to the early colonial period. The area was originally inhabited by the Massachusett Native American tribe, who lived along the shores of the Charles River and Boston Harbor. In 1620, the Pilgrims arrived in nearby Plymouth, marking the beginning of European settlement in the region.

In 1630, the settlement of Boston was founded by Puritan colonists led by John Winthrop. Over the next few decades, Boston became a major center of trade and commerce. Suffolk County was officially established in 1643, encompassing the towns of Boston, Roxbury, and Dorchester. The county was named after Suffolk in East Anglia, England, the birthplace of many of the settlers.

During the American Revolution, Suffolk County played a significant role. The Boston Tea Party, a protest against British taxation, occurred in Boston Harbor in 1773. Battles such as the Battle of Bunker Hill took place in the county, as the British sought to regain control of the city. After the war, Boston continued to thrive as an important port and center of industry.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Suffolk County experienced significant growth and development. The Industrial Revolution led to the expansion of manufacturing, with industries such as textiles and shoes becoming prominent. The county also underwent a major urban renewal effort in the mid-20th century, resulting in the construction of modern buildings and infrastructure.

Today, Suffolk County remains a vibrant and diverse region, home to the city of Boston and many other thriving communities. It continues to be a hub of culture, education, and innovation, attracting residents and visitors from around the world.

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

  • Suffolk County, MA was established in 1643.
  • In 1774, the county played a significant role in the American Revolution, with events such as the Boston Tea Party.
  • During the 19th century, Suffolk County became an important center for manufacturing and trade.
  • In the early 20th century, Suffolk County experienced an influx of immigrants, particularly from Europe.
  • In 2004, Suffolk County became the first county in Massachusetts to adopt the Community Preservation Act.