Historical Marker

Alton New Hampshire Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Alton, New Hampshire
( Memorial is on Main Street (Route 11), on the right when traveling north.)

  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.

The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, located on the Piscataqua River in Kittery, Maine, was established in 1800 and has built and repaired many of the U.S. Navy's ships.
New Hampshire random facts
Belknap County, located in the state of New Hampshire, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by the Abenaki Native American tribe before European settlers arrived in the 17th century. It was named after Jeremy Belknap, a prominent clergyman and historian of that time.

In the early years, Belknap County was primarily a farming community with settlements spread across the region. The area experienced some level of conflict during the French and Indian War in the mid-18th century, as well as during the American Revolutionary War. However, it remained a relatively remote and undeveloped area until the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century.

The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century transformed Belknap County, opening up new opportunities for trade and commerce. The county saw a significant increase in tourism as people from nearby cities began visiting the lakes and mountains in the region, attracted by its natural beauty. This led to the development of resorts and hotels, further boosting the local economy.

Belknap County continued to grow and evolve into the 20th century. The county became an important center for manufacturing, with industries such as textiles, paper mills, and shoe manufacturing playing a significant role in the local economy. Over time, the county also expanded its educational and cultural institutions, establishing schools, libraries, and museums to serve the growing population.

Today, Belknap County remains a thriving part of New Hampshire, known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and thriving communities. While agriculture and manufacturing have seen decline, the county has diversified its economy to include sectors such as healthcare, tourism, and service industries. Belknap County continues to honor its history while embracing modern development, ensuring a bright future for its residents and visitors.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Belknap County, New Hampshire.

  • 1790: Belknap County was established on December 22, 1790.
  • 1823: The first county courthouse was built in Meredith.
  • 1840: Laconia, the largest city in the county, was incorporated on February 23, 1840.
  • 1842: The Belknap County complex, including the current courthouse, was completed in 1842.
  • 1855: The railroad arrived in Belknap County, contributing to its economic growth.
  • 1868: The Laconia Car Company, a major employer, was founded in Laconia.
  • 1973: The Gunstock Mountain Resort opened in Gilford.
  • 1995: The Belknap Mill, the oldest unaltered brick textile mill in the United States, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.