Historical Marker

New Brunswick Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
New Brunswick, New Jersey
( Memorial is at the intersection of George Street and Liberty Street, on the right when traveling south on George Street.)
Marker installed: 1893

1861       1865

  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 steam-powered ferry in the United States, the Juliana, began operating between Hoboken and New York City in 1812.
New Jersey random facts
Middlesex County, New Jersey has a rich history that dates back to the early 17th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Lenape people, who lived off the land and had a complex social structure. However, the arrival of European colonists changed the landscape of the region.

In 1664, English settlers led by Sir George Carteret took control of the area, establishing the Province of New Jersey. The land was divided into various counties, and Middlesex County was officially created in 1683. The county was named after the historic county of Middlesex in England. Early settlements in the area included New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, and Woodbridge.

During the American Revolutionary War, Middlesex County played a significant role. Perth Amboy served as a strategic location for British troops, and General George Washington's army crossed the Raritan River in New Brunswick. The county was also home to important patriot leaders, such as John and William Livingston, who were instrumental in the fight for independence.

As the 19th century progressed, Middlesex County experienced rapid industrialization. The construction of canals and railroads facilitated trade and transportation, leading to the growth of manufacturing and agriculture. The county became known for its textile mills, ironworks, and pottery factories. Immigrants from Europe, particularly Ireland and Germany, flocked to the area for job opportunities.

In the 20th century, Middlesex County continued to evolve and diversify. It became a hub for pharmaceutical companies, with major corporations setting up headquarters and research facilities in the county. The county also witnessed suburbanization, with the population spreading beyond the urban centers. Today, Middlesex County is a bustling and diverse region, known for its rich history, thriving economy, and vibrant communities.

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

  • 1675 - Middlesex County, NJ is established.
  • 1746 - New Brunswick, the largest city in Middlesex County, is founded.
  • 1766 - Rutgers University is chartered in New Brunswick.
  • 1790 - Perth Amboy becomes the county seat of Middlesex County.
  • 1836 - Piscataway Township is incorporated in Middlesex County.
  • 1854 - Woodbridge Township is incorporated in Middlesex County.
  • 1860 - South Plainfield is established as an independent borough in Middlesex County.
  • 1869 - Edison Township is formed from portions of Woodbridge and Piscataway townships in Middlesex County.
  • 1899 - Old Bridge Township is formed from parts of East Brunswick and South Amboy in Middlesex County.
  • 1955 - East Brunswick becomes an independent township in Middlesex County.
  • 1970 - Carteret becomes a borough in Middlesex County.
  • 1981 - Monroe Township is established in Middlesex County.
  • 1994 - Cranbury Township is formed from parts of South Brunswick and Monroe Township in Middlesex County.