Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Ellsworth, Maine
( Memorial is at the intersection of U.S. 1 and Surry Road, on the left when traveling west on U.S. 1.)
Marker installed: 1887

  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.

Maine was once part of New France: In the 17th and 18th centuries, the area that is now Maine was part of New France, which was a French colony in North America that included parts of what are now the United States and Canada.
Maine random facts
Hancock County, located in the state of Maine, has a rich and varied history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, specifically by the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes, who relied on fishing, hunting, and gathering for their livelihood. European settlement began in the early 17th century, with the arrival of French and English explorers and fur traders, who established trading posts along the coast.

In the 18th century, Hancock County saw an influx of European settlers, predominantly from England and Scotland. The region played a significant role in the American Revolution, with many local residents participating in the war effort. In 1789, Hancock County was officially established, named after John Hancock, a prominent Founding Father and the first signer of the Declaration of Independence.

During the 19th century, Hancock County experienced rapid growth and development. Industries such as fishing, shipbuilding, and lumbering thrived, thanks to the county's abundant natural resources and access to shipping routes. The city of Ellsworth became the county seat and a major center of commerce. Tourism also began to play a significant role, with wealthy visitors coming to admire the beautiful coastal landscapes and enjoy the summer resorts and cottages that sprang up along the shores.

In the 20th century, Hancock County continued to evolve. The decline of traditional industries such as fishing and shipbuilding led to a shift towards a more service-based economy, with an emphasis on tourism, education, and healthcare. The county is also home to Acadia National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States, which further bolstered the region's popularity as a tourist destination. Today, Hancock County remains a vibrant and picturesque area, offering a blend of historical charm and natural beauty.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Hancock County, Maine.

  • 1604: French explorer Samuel de Champlain visits the area now known as Hancock County.
  • 1613: The French establish a trading post on Mount Desert Island.
  • 1629: The French trading post is destroyed by the English.
  • 1763: The Treaty of Paris ends the French and Indian War, and the area becomes part of the British colony of Massachusetts.
  • 1765: The town of Hancock is incorporated.
  • 1789: The District of Maine secedes from Massachusetts and becomes part of the United States.
  • 1789-1820: The area experiences rapid settlement and growth.
  • 1827: The town of Ellsworth is incorporated.
  • 1848: The town of Bar Harbor is incorporated.
  • 1852: The town of Bucksport is incorporated.
  • 1861-1865: The American Civil War affects Hancock County, with many residents serving in the Union Army.
  • 1870s: The region becomes a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the United States.
  • 1909: Acadia National Park is established, protecting large areas of Mount Desert Island.
  • 1918: The Great Fire of 1918 devastates large parts of Hancock County, including Bar Harbor.
  • 1947: The town of Stinson Beach is incorporated.
  • 1959: The town of Blue Hill is incorporated.
  • Present: The region continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.