Historical Marker

Civil War: Abolitionist, Scout, Spy and Nurse

Historical marker location:
4 Washington Street, Cambridge, Maryland
( Marker is at the intersection of Washington Street (Maryland Route 343) and Ocean Gateway (U.S. 50), on the right when traveling west on Washington Street. Reported unreadable.)

Civil War Era. 1858 - 1865

  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 Maryland.
Harriet Tubman, a famous abolitionist, was born in Maryland: Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery and became a famous abolitionist and conductor on the Underground Railroad, was born into slavery in Dorchester County, Maryland. She later returned to Maryland many times to lead other enslaved people to freedom.
Maryland random facts
Dorchester County, Maryland, located on the Eastern Shore, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It was initially inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Nanticoke and Choptank tribes, who relied on the region's natural resources for survival. European settlers arrived in the 17th century and established the town of Cambridge in 1684, which would later become the county seat.

During the colonial era, Dorchester County became a major center for tobacco cultivation and trade. The county's economy thrived on the labor of enslaved Africans, who were brought to the area to work on the plantations. The presence of plantations and the subsequent introduction of the Underground Railroad led to Dorchester County becoming an important site for the escape of enslaved individuals seeking freedom in the North.

In the 19th century, the county's economy gradually shifted away from agriculture and towards industry. The construction of the Cambridge and Seaford Railroad in 1865 encouraged industrial development, leading to the establishment of canneries, oyster canning factories, and shipyards in the county. This industrial growth brought job opportunities and economic prosperity to the area.

In the 20th century, Dorchester County faced challenges due to the decline of its industrial sector and the impact of racial segregation. However, it has also witnessed efforts towards revitalization and preservation of its historical and natural assets. Today, Dorchester County attracts visitors with its historical sites, picturesque landscapes, and opportunities for outdoor recreation centered around the Chesapeake Bay and the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

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

  • 1669 - Dorchester County established as one of the original eight counties of Maryland.
  • 1695 - Cambridge designated as the county seat.
  • 1774 - The American Revolutionary War begins, with many Dorchester County residents actively participating.
  • 1833 - The first railroad, the Cambridge & Seaford Railroad, is completed in Dorchester County.
  • 1861 - The Civil War begins, and Dorchester County experiences both Confederate and Union control.
  • 1879 - The Great Cambridge Fire destroys a significant portion of the town.
  • 1933 - The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is opened, connecting Dorchester County to Annapolis and the Eastern Shore.
  • 1962 - The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is established in Dorchester County.
  • 1987 - The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park is established to honor the legacy of Harriet Tubman, who was born in Dorchester County.