Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Federalsburg, Maryland
( Memorial can be reached from Bloomingdale Avenue (Maryland Route 315) west of Old Denton Road, on the right when traveling west.)

  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.

Maryland was the birthplace of the national anthem: The national anthem of the United States, "The Star-Spangled Banner," was written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812. Key witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor and was inspired by the American flag still flying over the fort at dawn.
Maryland random facts
Caroline County is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1774. The area was initially inhabited by the Nanticoke tribe, who lived off the abundant natural resources in the region. The county was named after Lady Caroline Eden, the wife of the last colonial governor of Maryland, Robert Eden.

During the American Revolutionary War, Caroline County played an important role as many of its residents joined the fight for independence. The county was home to several notable patriots, including Samuel Chase, who signed the Declaration of Independence. After the war, agriculture became the main economic driver in the county, with tobacco and wheat being the primary crops.

In the 19th century, Caroline County witnessed significant changes due to advancements in transportation. The construction of railroads, such as the Queen Anne's Railroad in the mid-1800s, facilitated the movement of goods and people, stimulating economic growth. The county also played a key role in the underground railroad, with notable abolitionist figures like Harriet Tubman, who was born in nearby Dorchester County, leading enslaved individuals to freedom through the Eastern Shore.

The 20th century brought further changes to Caroline County, including the decline of agriculture and the rise of manufacturing and tourism. The county experienced a boom in the canning industry, with companies like Vlasic Pickles and Maryland Canning establishing operations within its borders. Additionally, the opening of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in 1952 made the area more accessible, attracting tourists to its picturesque landscapes and charming small towns.

Today, Caroline County continues to embrace its agricultural roots while also diversifying its economy. The county remains an important center for farming, but it has also seen growth in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. Caroline County's rich history, scenic beauty, and close-knit community make it an attractive place to live and visit on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Caroline County, Maryland.

  • 1707 - Caroline County was established as a part of Queen Anne's County in the Province of Maryland.
  • 1773 - Caroline County became its own separate county.
  • 1801 - The town of Denton was established as the county seat.
  • 1800s - The county saw growth and development in agriculture, with tobacco being a major crop.
  • 1862 - The county experienced Civil War conflict during the Battle of Fredericksburg.
  • 20th century - The county's economy shifted towards poultry farming and canning industries.
  • 1960s - Civil Rights movements impacted the county with demonstrations and protests for racial equality.
  • 1990s - The county experienced population growth and an increase in residential and commercial development.