Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
1255 W Landis Ave, Vineland, New Jersey
( Memorial is at the intersection of West Landis Avenue and Northeast Boulevard, on the right when traveling east on West Landis Avenue.)
Marker installed: 1911

  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 oldest lighthouse in the United States, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, is located in New Jersey. The lighthouse was built in 1764 and still functions as an aid to navigation.
New Jersey random facts
Cumberland County, New Jersey has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Prior to European colonization, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Lenape people. They lived off the land, hunting, fishing, and farming in the region.

In 1674, the Dutch officially claimed the land as part of New Netherlands, but it was soon taken over by the English. In the early 18th century, English settlers arrived in Cumberland County and established several small settlements. The area was primarily agricultural and relied heavily on the fertile land for farming.

During the American Revolutionary War, Cumberland County played a significant role. It was the site of several important battles and a key location due to its access to the Delaware Bay. Troops from both sides passed through the county, and many farms were destroyed during the conflict.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Cumberland County continued to thrive as an agricultural region. The construction of railroads and advancements in transportation allowed farmers to expand their reach and sell their produce to larger markets. However, the county also faced challenges, including the Great Depression and later the decline of the agricultural industry. Today, Cumberland County remains an important agricultural area, known for its vast farmlands and natural beauty. Additionally, it is also home to diversified industries, including manufacturing and tourism.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cumberland County, New Jersey.

  • 1694: Cumberland County is established by an act of the New Jersey Provincial Assembly.
  • 1748: Bridgeton is founded as the county seat.
  • 1778: During the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Chestnut Neck takes place in Cumberland County.
  • 1801: The first Cumberland County Courthouse is built in Bridgeton.
  • 1826: Millville is founded as a manufacturing center for glass production.
  • 1867: Vineland is incorporated as a planned community for agricultural settlers.
  • 1894: Maurice River Township is established by combining portions of Downe Township and Commercial Township.
  • 1941: Fortescue is severely damaged by a hurricane.
  • 1999: The Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton is reopened after extensive renovations.
  • 2012: Cumberland County College becomes a 4-year college and changes its name to Cumberland County College.