Historical Marker

Bath Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Bath, Maine
( Memorial is at the intersection of Centre Street and High Street, in the median on Centre Street.)
Marker installed: 1867

  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 Maine.
Maine is home to the only national monument dedicated to a writer: The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine is dedicated to the writer and conservationist, Percival Baxter, who donated the land for the monument. Baxter is best known for his efforts to protect the wilderness areas of Maine.
Maine random facts
Sagadahoc County, located in the southeastern portion of the state of Maine, has a rich history dating back to the early 17th century. The area was initially inhabited by indigenous Wabanaki tribes, predominantly the Abenaki people, who depended on the abundant natural resources for their livelihood.

In 1607, English explorer George Popham led an expedition to what is now modern-day Sagadahoc County, establishing the short-lived Popham Colony. The settlement, which included a fort and a small village, aimed to establish a permanent English presence in the New World. However, due to harsh winters, lack of resources, and the death of their leader, the colony was eventually abandoned after just over a year.

Throughout the 17th century, Sagadahoc County saw intermittent European settlement and conflict as the region became a contested area between the English and the French. The area played a crucial role in the Anglo-French rivalry and witnessed multiple instances of military engagements, including the well-known Battle of Falmouth in 1689 during King William's War.

In the 19th century, Sagadahoc County experienced significant economic growth due to the rise of shipbuilding and maritime industries. Towns like Bath became renowned for their shipyards, producing many notable vessels during this period. The county's strategic location near the coast and its access to numerous rivers contributed to its prominence in the shipbuilding industry.

Today, Sagadahoc County remains a vibrant community with a population that cherishes its historical heritage. The area is home to numerous historic sites, museums, and landmarks that showcase the rich history of the county, making it an attractive destination for history enthusiasts and visitors alike.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Sagadahoc County, Maine.

  • Sagadahoc County was established on February 14, 1854.
  • In 1861, the first railroad was built in the county, connecting Bath and Brunswick.
  • In 1890, the Kennebec Bridge, also known as the Bath Iron Works Bridge, spanning the Kennebec River, was opened to the public.
  • During the early 20th century, Bath became known as a major shipbuilding center.
  • In 1931, the Bath Veterans Memorial Bridge was completed, replacing the earlier bridge over the Kennebec River.
  • In 1954, the Brunswick Naval Air Station was established, becoming an important military base.
  • The Bath Iron Works, a major shipbuilding company, received numerous contracts during the 20th and 21st centuries, contributing to the county's economy.
  • In recent years, Sagadahoc County has focused on expanding its tourism industry, taking advantage of its waterfront locations and historical sites.