Historical Marker

Civil War

Historical marker location:
Flemington, New Jersey
( Marker is on North Main Street, 0.1 miles north of East Main Street, on the right when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 2014

Major Lambert Boeman

  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.

New Jersey is home to the oldest continuous seaside resort community in the United States. Cape May, located at the southern tip of the state, has been a popular vacation spot since the early 1800s.
New Jersey random facts
Hunterdon County, located in the western part of New Jersey, has a rich and diverse history dating back to prehistoric times. The original inhabitants of the region were the Lenape Native Americans, who lived in harmony with nature and relied on hunting, fishing, and farming for their sustenance. In the early 17th century, European settlers, mostly Dutch, Swedish, and English, began to arrive, establishing small farming communities along the Delaware and Raritan rivers.

During the American Revolution, Hunterdon County played a significant role due to its strategic location between Philadelphia and New York City. The area witnessed various military campaigns and saw many important figures of the era pass through, including George Washington, who crossed the Delaware River at what is now Washington Crossing State Park. The county was also home to notable patriots such as John Hart, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

In the 19th century, Hunterdon County saw industrial development with the construction of the Delaware and Raritan Canal and the arrival of the railroad. These transportation networks facilitated the growth of towns such as Flemington and Clinton, which became important centers of commerce and trade. The county also became known for its agricultural production, particularly dairy farming and the breeding of high-quality livestock.

In the 20th century, Hunterdon County experienced suburbanization and population growth as residents began to commute to nearby cities for work. Despite modernization, the county has made efforts to preserve its historical landmarks and rural character. From charming small towns and historic sites to natural treasures such as the Sourland Mountains and Round Valley Recreation Area, Hunterdon County continues to be a place that cherishes its past while embracing the future.

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

  • 1688: Hunterdon County, NJ is founded by royal charter
  • 1714: The first courthouse is built in the county seat of Burlington
  • 1739: The county seat is moved to Trenton
  • 1744: The county seat is moved to Flemington
  • 1750: The first sawmill is constructed in the county
  • 1776: Hunterdon County residents actively participate in the American Revolutionary War
  • 1845: The first rail transport arrives in the county
  • 1864: The Flemington Fair, now known as the Hunterdon County 4-H and Agricultural Fair, begins
  • 1897: The famous Red Mill is built in Clinton
  • 1926: The first automobile bridge is constructed across the Delaware River
  • 1939: The Hunterdon Symphony Orchestra is established
  • 1970s: The county experiences significant population growth and suburban development
  • 2009: The Hunterdon Art Museum moves to its current location in Clinton