Historical Marker

Orange Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
Orange, New Jersey
( Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Prince Street, on the right when traveling east on Main Street.)

  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 New Jersey.
The Hindenburg disaster, one of the most famous airship accidents in history, occurred in New Jersey in 1937. The German airship caught fire and crashed while attempting to dock at the Naval Air Station in Lakehurst.
New Jersey random facts
Essex County, located in the northeastern part of New Jersey, has a rich and vibrant history that dates back to colonial times. The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape Native American tribe before Dutch and English settlers arrived in the 17th century. In 1666, Newark, now the county seat, was established as a Puritan settlement and quickly grew into a major trading hub and industrial center.

During the American Revolution, Essex County played a significant role. The Battle of Connecticut Farms took place in present-day Union, one of the municipalities within Essex County, where American forces successfully defended against British attacks in 1780. The county was also home to other prominent Revolutionary War events, such as the construction of forts to protect the region.

In the 19th century, Essex County experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization. The advent of the railroad and the burgeoning textile industry brought prosperity to cities like Newark and East Orange. The county became a center of manufacturing and commerce, attracting immigrants from various parts of Europe. This diversity contributed to the cultural richness that still characterizes the area today.

In the 20th century, Essex County faced many challenges as urban decay and economic decline gripped the region. However, efforts to revitalize the county have been ongoing, with extensive redevelopment projects, urban renewal initiatives, and the improvement of transportation infrastructure. Today, Essex County is a vibrant and culturally diverse community that is home to a variety of industries, educational institutions, and recreational opportunities, making it a vibrant and dynamic place to live, work, and visit.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Essex County, New Jersey.

  • 1666: Essex County, NJ is founded as one of the original four counties in East Jersey.
  • 1682: Newark is established as the county seat.
  • 1739: The first courthouse in Newark is built.
  • 1776-1782: Essex County experiences significant Revolutionary War activity, including the Battle of Connecticut Farms and the Burning of Springfield.
  • 1837: The Morris and Essex Railroad is completed, connecting Essex County to New York City.
  • 1862: Princeton Theological Seminary relocates to East Orange, bringing educational and cultural influence.
  • 1895: The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, one of the largest cathedrals in the United States, is completed in Newark.
  • 1920s: Essex County becomes a hub of roaring industrial activity, with growth in manufacturing and commerce.
  • 1930: The Art Deco-style Newark City Hall is constructed.
  • 1967: The Newark riots, a period of civil unrest, occur in response to long-standing racial tensions.
  • 1999: The iconic Prudential Center, an arena and multi-purpose venue, opens in Newark.