Historical Marker

East Windsor Township Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
Hightstown, New Jersey
( Marker is at the intersection of Stockton Street and Rogers Ave. on Stockton 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.

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
Mercer County, located in central New Jersey, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to colonial times. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, such as the Lenape, who were the first inhabitants of the region. However, European settlement began in the early 17th century when Dutch and Swedish explorers arrived in the area and established trading posts.

In the late 17th century, the land that is now Mercer County was part of Burlington County. However, in 1838, Mercer County was formed and named after General Hugh Mercer, an American Revolutionary War hero. Initially, Mercer County included many towns and villages that are now part of other counties. Over time, the county's boundaries changed, and it eventually settled into its present shape.

During the American Revolution, Mercer County played a significant role. The Battle of Trenton, a crucial turning point in the war, took place here in December 1776. General George Washington and his troops launched a surprise attack on Hessian mercenaries, resulting in a victory for the Continental Army. This event boosted the morale of the revolutionaries and inspired future military successes.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Mercer County experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization. Trenton, the county seat and capital of New Jersey, became known for its manufacturing and agricultural industries. The city was a prominent center for ceramics and pottery production, with the iconic Trenton Pottery being created. Notable industries also included ironworks, steel production, and textiles. Today, Mercer County continues to be an important economic hub, combining urban development with suburban and rural areas.

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

  • Original Native American tribes inhabit the area that is now Mercer County.
  • 1678 - European settlers begin to arrive in the region.
  • 1714 - Mercer County is established as part of Burlington County.
  • 1739 - Princeton is founded and becomes a prominent educational and cultural center in the county.
  • 1758 - Trenton is officially incorporated as a town.
  • 1800 - Mercer County is formed as a separate entity from Burlington County.
  • 1837 - Mercer County's courthouse is constructed in Trenton.
  • 1860s - The region experiences industrial growth with the development of manufacturing and transportation industries.
  • 1915 - Mercer County Park is established and becomes a popular recreational area.
  • 1957 - Mercer County Community College is founded.
  • 1970s - Mercer County's economy shifts towards services and education as manufacturing declines.
  • 1990 - The New Jersey State House in Trenton is added to the National Register of Historic Places.