Historical Marker

Hagerstonians In The Civil War

Historical marker location:
Hagerstown, Maryland
( Marker is on West Washington Street (U.S. 40) near South Prospect Street, on the right when traveling west.)

Brevet Brigadier General George Bell, USA
1828 - 1907

  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.
Maryland played a pivotal role in the American Revolution: Maryland was the site of several important battles during the American Revolution, including the Battle of Camden, the Battle of Cowpens, and the Battle of Yorktown. Additionally, Maryland's own soldiers played a crucial role in the war effort, including the famous "Maryland 400" who held off a British attack at the Battle of Long Island in 1776.
Maryland random facts
Washington County, Maryland has a rich and vibrant history that dates back to the early 18th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and the Susquehannock. In 1732, the land that would become Washington County was part of a land grant given to the first president of the United States, George Washington. However, it wasn't until 1776 that the county was officially established.

During the American Revolutionary War, Washington County played a significant role. Many residents of the county enlisted in the Continental Army, and several key battles were fought in the region. One such battle was the Battle of Antietam in 1862, which was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history. The county saw a major influx of soldiers and activity during the war, leaving lasting scars on the landscape.

After the war, Washington County experienced significant growth and development. The arrival of the Cumberland Valley Railroad in the mid-19th century brought increased trade and commerce. The county became an important transportation hub, connecting various regions and facilitating economic growth. Agriculture also thrived in the area, with crops such as wheat, corn, and apples being major contributors to the local economy.

Today, Washington County is a diverse and thriving community. It is known for its historical landmarks, including the Antietam National Battlefield and the C&O Canal, both of which attract tourists from around the world. The county also has a strong agricultural presence, with farms and vineyards dotting the countryside. Additionally, Washington County is home to several educational institutions, including Hagerstown Community College and the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown. Overall, the history of Washington County, MD reflects a rich tapestry of Native American heritage, Revolutionary War significance, and ongoing growth and prosperity.

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

  • 1776 - Washington County, MD is established on September 6th.
  • 1781 - Hagerstown, the county seat of Washington County, is founded.
  • 1814 - The Battle of Hagerstown takes place during the War of 1812.
  • 1827 - The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal begins construction in Washington County.
  • 1842 - The Western Maryland Railroad is founded, enhancing transportation in the county.
  • 1861 - During the Civil War, Washington County is the first in Maryland to vote against secession.
  • 1862 - The Battle of Antietam, one of the bloodiest battles in American history, occurs in Washington County.
  • 1873 - The Maryland Agricultural College (now the University of Maryland) is established in Hagerstown.
  • 1937 - The Appalachian Trail, which passes through Washington County, is completed.
  • 1943 - The Army's Fort Ritchie is established in Washington County.
  • 1975 - The Hagerstown Regional Airport opens for commercial flights.
  • 1984 - The Maryland Symphony Orchestra is founded in Hagerstown.