Harding-Winter Street Manufacturing District
28-88 Winter St., Worcester, MA Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
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.
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.
During the American Revolution, Worcester County played a significant role. In 1774, the county hosted the Worcester Convention, a gathering of Massachusetts towns that denounced British colonial policies. The convention's resolutions helped pave the way for the adoption of the Declaration of Independence two years later. Throughout the war, the county provided soldiers and resources to the Continental Army, and several battles were fought in the region.
In the 19th century, Worcester County became an industrial powerhouse. The construction of the Blackstone Canal and the arrival of the railroad spurred economic growth. The county became a center for manufacturing, with industries such as textiles, machinery, and shoes flourishing. The city of Worcester, located in the heart of the county, became known as the "City of the Seven Hills" and was a hub of commerce and innovation.
In the 20th century, Worcester County continued to evolve, facing both challenges and opportunities. The Great Depression and the decline of manufacturing put a strain on the local economy, but the county rebounded in the post-World War II era. Today, Worcester County is known for its diverse economy, with sectors such as healthcare, education, and biotechnology driving growth. Its rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic landscapes make it a unique and beloved part of Massachusetts.
Worcester County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Worcester County, Massachusetts.
- 1662 - The town of Worcester is officially incorporated.
- 1713 - The town of Worcester becomes the county seat of newly-formed Worcester County.
- 1755 - The French and Indian War begins, leading to increased military activity in Worcester County.
- 1767 - Worcester County's population reaches approximately 15,000.
- 1781 - The town of Warren is incorporated as a separate town within Worcester County.
- 1793 - Worcester County's population exceeds 50,000.
- 1801 - The town of Athol is incorporated.
- 1835 - The town of Fitchburg is incorporated as a city.
- 1845 - The Blackstone Canal, connecting Worcester to Providence, Rhode Island, officially opens.
- 1868 - The town of Clinton is incorporated as a city.
- 1883 - Worcester County's population surpasses 150,000.
- 1905 - The city of Worcester is granted a city charter.
- 1938 - The Great New England Hurricane strikes Worcester County, causing significant damage.
- 1956 - The construction of the Massachusetts Turnpike begins, passing through Worcester County.
- 1978 - Worcester County's population reaches over 600,000.
- 1985 - The Worcester Common Outlets, a major shopping center, opens in Worcester.
- 2008 - The city of Worcester celebrates its 300th anniversary.