Historical Marker

Jersey City Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Jersey City, New Jersey
( Marker is on Lincoln Park Road., on the left when traveling west.)

  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 first organized drive-in movie theater in the world opened in Camden, New Jersey in 1933. The concept quickly caught on and drive-in theaters became a popular form of entertainment across the United States.
New Jersey random facts
Hudson County, located in the northeastern part of New Jersey, has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. The area was initially inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans before the arrival of European settlers. In the early 17th century, Dutch traders established the settlement of Bergen, making it one of the earliest permanent European settlements in the region.

During the American Revolutionary War, Hudson County played a strategic role due to its location near New York City. It was the site of several skirmishes and was occupied by both American and British forces at various times. After the war, the county experienced rapid industrialization and urban development, fueled by the growth of the shipping, manufacturing, and trade industries.

In the mid-19th century, waves of immigrants, including Irish, German, and Italian, came to Hudson County, seeking employment in the burgeoning industries. This immigration wave, coupled with the industrial boom, led to the establishment of vibrant ethnic neighborhoods and a diverse cultural landscape that continues to this day.

In the 20th century, Hudson County faced numerous challenges but also experienced periods of growth and transformation. The area saw waves of immigration from Eastern Europe and Latin America, contributing to its cultural diversity. Over the years, the county underwent revitalization efforts to attract investments, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for its residents.

Today, Hudson County is a vibrant and dynamic community, known for its bustling cities, diverse population, and proximity to New York City. It continues to evolve and thrive, blending its rich history with modern urban life.

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

  • 1600s - Hudson County was originally inhabited by the Lenape Native American tribe
  • 1609 - Henry Hudson sails past the area while exploring the Hudson River
  • 1660 - Dutch settlers establish the village of Bergen, the first permanent European settlement in the area
  • 1664 - The British take control of the area from the Dutch and rename Bergen to Bergen Township
  • 1776 - During the American Revolution, British forces occupy Hudson County
  • 1804 - Jersey City is established as a town, named after the nearby state of New Jersey
  • 1840s - Industrialization begins in Hudson County, with the opening of factories and shipyards
  • 1861-1865 - Many residents of Hudson County fight in the American Civil War
  • 1870 - Hudson County becomes an important transportation hub with the completion of the Hudson and Manhattan Railroad
  • 1908 - Construction of the Holland Tunnel begins, connecting Hudson County to New York City
  • 1916 - The Black Tom explosion occurs in Jersey City, an act of sabotage during World War I
  • 1960s - Urban renewal projects lead to the construction of new residential and commercial buildings
  • 1982 - The County of Hudson is officially established