Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
3426 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, New Jersey
( Memorial is on Atlantic Avenue just north of Atlantic Avenue, on the left when traveling south.)
Marker installed: 1916

  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 first steam-powered ferry in the United States, the Juliana, began operating between Hoboken and New York City in 1812.
New Jersey random facts
Atlantic County, located in the southeastern part of New Jersey, has a rich history that stretches back to precolonial times. The land that is now Atlantic County was originally home to the Lenape Native American tribe, who had an established society based on fishing, hunting, and agriculture. European settlers began arriving in the area in the 17th century, with English, Dutch, and Swedish colonizers trading with the Lenape for furs and other resources.

In 1694, Atlantic County was officially established as a part of Gloucester County. However, it wasn't until 1837 that the county was formally organized and separated from Gloucester County. The name "Atlantic" was chosen due to the region's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The county saw rapid growth and development in the 19th century, thanks to improvements in transportation, especially the construction of the Camden and Atlantic Railroad.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Atlantic County experienced a boom in population and tourism. The seaside resorts of Atlantic City and Margate became popular destinations, attracting wealthy vacationers from cities like Philadelphia and New York. Atlantic City became particularly famous for its boardwalk and casino industry, establishing its reputation as the "Las Vegas of the East."

However, the county also faced challenges in the 20th century. The Great Depression of the 1930s hit Atlantic City hard, leading to a decline in tourism and economic instability. In recent years, efforts have been made to revitalize the county, with a focus on diversifying the economy beyond tourism and casinos. Atlantic County continues to be an important center for agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare, while also preserving its historical and cultural heritage.

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

  • 1673 - The land that would later become Atlantic County is discovered and explored by English settlers.
  • 1837 - Atlantic County is officially established as a county in the state of New Jersey.
  • 1854 - The City of Atlantic City is incorporated as a separate municipality within Atlantic County.
  • 1870 - The first railroad reaches Atlantic City, spurring a period of growth and development.
  • 1884 - The famous Boardwalk is constructed in Atlantic City, becoming a popular attraction.
  • 1920s - Atlantic City experiences a period of prosperity and becomes a popular tourist destination.
  • 1944 - The first legal casino opens in Atlantic City, marking the beginning of the city's casino industry.
  • 1976 - Gambling is legalized in New Jersey, leading to a boom in casino construction in Atlantic City.
  • 1989 - The Showboat Casino Hotel becomes the first casino to open a hotel tower in Atlantic City.
  • 2013 - The Revel Casino Hotel opens and closes within a year, reflecting the decline of Atlantic City's casino industry.
  • 2015 - Atlantic City files for bankruptcy, facing financial troubles and declining revenues.