Historical Marker

During the Civil War

Historical marker location:
Ellicott City, Maryland
( Marker is on River 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 home to the first African American woman to hold a patent: In 1885, Sarah E. Goode, an African American woman from Baltimore, became the first African American woman to hold a U.S. patent. Her invention was a folding cabinet bed, which was designed to save space in small apartments.
Maryland random facts
Howard County, Maryland has a rich and diverse history dating back to its establishment in 1851. Originally part of Anne Arundel County, Howard County was formed as a separate jurisdiction due to the growing population and demands for local leadership. The county was named after John Eager Howard, a Revolutionary War hero and former Maryland governor.

During its early years, Howard County relied heavily on agriculture, with tobacco and wheat being the main crops. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century brought significant changes and economic growth to the area. The railroad allowed for easier transportation of goods, leading to the establishment of small towns and communities. This period also saw the rise of the mills and factories, as well as the growth of the population.

In the late 20th century, Howard County experienced rapid suburbanization and became one of the most affluent counties in the United States. The county's close proximity to Baltimore and Washington D.C., as well as its excellent school system, attracted many professionals and families. This led to a boom in housing and commercial development, transforming Howard County from its rural origins to a suburban community.

Today, Howard County is known for its well-planned communities, beautiful parks, and vibrant economy. The county continues to grow and adapt to changing demographics, striving to maintain a high quality of life for its residents. With its mix of historic charm and modern amenities, Howard County remains a desirable place to live and work in the state of Maryland.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Howard County, Maryland.

  • 1700s - The land that would become Howard County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Piscataway and Susquehannock.
  • 1696 - "Anne Arundel County on the North side of the Patuxent River" was established, which included the area that would later become Howard County.
  • 1839 - Howard County was officially recognized as a separate county, named in honor of John Eager Howard, a Revolutionary War hero.
  • Late 1800s - Agriculture, especially tobacco farming, was the primary industry in Howard County.
  • 1869 - The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad extended its line through Howard County, stimulating economic growth.
  • 20th century - The population of Howard County remained predominantly rural until the mid-20th century, with small towns and farming communities.
  • 1967 - Columbia, a planned community, was founded by James Rouse, leading to rapid suburban development and population growth.
  • 1980s - Howard County experienced significant growth and development, becoming increasingly suburban in character.
  • 2004 - Howard County was ranked by Forbes magazine as the third wealthiest county in the United States.
  • Present - Howard County is known for its high quality of life, excellent schools, and diverse community.