Historical Marker

Manchester NH Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
899 Elm Street, Manchester, New Hampshire
( Marker is on Elm Street, on the right.)
Marker installed: 1878

  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 state's motto "Live Free or Die" was adopted in 1945 and reflects New Hampshire's long-standing tradition of individualism and self-reliance.
New Hampshire random facts
Hillsborough County, New Hampshire has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1769. Named after Wills Hill, the Earl of Hillsborough and colonial secretary, the county originally encompassed a large portion of present-day southern New Hampshire. In its early days, Hillsborough County was primarily a rural farming community, with agriculture serving as the backbone of its economy.

During the American Revolution, Hillsborough County played a significant role. Many local residents joined the fight for independence and participated in key battles, including the Battle of Bunker Hill. The town of Hillsborough itself served as a key supply center for the Continental Army. Following the war, the county experienced a period of growth and development, with the construction of mills and the expansion of trade along the Merrimack River.

The mid-19th century brought further changes to Hillsborough County as industrialization gained momentum. Nashua, the county's largest city, became an industrial hub, with the production of textiles, shoes, and machinery fueling its economy. The construction of railroads further accelerated industrial growth and facilitated the transportation of goods across the region.

In the 20th century, Hillsborough County continued to evolve. The county's population increased, and suburbanization became a prevalent trend. Cities like Manchester and Nashua developed into thriving metropolitan areas, while small towns retained their rural character. Today, Hillsborough County remains a vibrant and diverse region, combining historical significance with a modern way of life.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire.

  • 1769: Hillsborough County is established in the Province of New Hampshire.
  • 1771: The county seat is established in Amherst.
  • 1769-1775: The county experiences significant growth and development.
  • 1776-1781: Hillsborough County is heavily involved in the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1781: The county seat is moved from Amherst to Hillsborough.
  • 19th century: Hillsborough County becomes a center for manufacturing and industrialization.
  • 1823: The city of Manchester is incorporated.
  • 1846: The first railroad line reaches Hillsborough County.
  • 1846-1880s: The county experiences a boom in the textile industry.
  • 20th century: Hillsborough County undergoes urbanization and economic diversification.
  • 1972: The Amoskeag Mills, once the largest textile factory in the world, closes.
  • 1990s-present: Hillsborough County becomes a hub for technology, healthcare, and education.