Historical Marker

Civil War · Spanish War · World War Memorial

Historical marker location:
109 Broad Street, Keyport, New Jersey
( Marker is at the intersection of Broad Street and 3rd Street on Broad 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 Battle of Monmouth, which was fought in New Jersey during the American Revolutionary War on June 28, 1778, was one of the largest battles of the war, involving more than 25,000 troops.
New Jersey random facts
Monmouth County, located in the state of New Jersey, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back centuries. Originally inhabited by the Lenape Native American tribe, the region saw early European settlement in the 17th century. In 1664, Monmouth County became part of the British colony of New Jersey, and it remained under British control until the American Revolution.

During the Revolutionary War, Monmouth County played a significant role. The county was the site of the Battle of Monmouth in 1778, one of the largest battles of the war. It marked a turning point for the Continental Army and significantly boosted morale for the American side.

In the 19th century, Monmouth County's economy thrived primarily due to agriculture and fishing. The region was known for its fertile soil, and farms and orchards flourished. As the Industrial Revolution took hold, Monmouth County began to see the growth of manufacturing and commerce, particularly along the Raritan Bayshore.

As the 20th century approached, Monmouth County saw suburbanization and the development of beach resorts along the Atlantic coastline, drawing tourists and vacationers. Today, the county remains a popular destination for beachgoers, while also being home to diverse communities, educational institutions, and a thriving arts scene.

In summary, Monmouth County's history is marked by early European settlement, its pivotal role in the American Revolution, agricultural and industrial growth in the 19th century, and the development of popular beach resorts in the 20th century.

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

  • 1664 - Monmouth County is established as one of the four original counties of East Jersey
  • 1675 - Monmouth County is named after Monmouthshire, Wales
  • 1693 - Township of Middletown is established
  • 1714 - Township of Freehold is established
  • 1731 - Township of Shrewsbury is established
  • 1749 - Township of Upper Freehold is established
  • 1778 - Battle of Monmouth takes place during the American Revolutionary War
  • 1838 - Township of Howell is established
  • 1850 - Township of Marlboro is established
  • 1906 - Borough of Long Branch is incorporated
  • 1917 - Naval Weapons Station Earle is established
  • 1947 - Monmouth University is founded as Monmouth College
  • 1955 - Garden State Parkway is completed, running through Monmouth County
  • 1960 - Six Flags Great Adventure amusement park opens in Jackson Township
  • 2021 - Notable landmarks in Monmouth County include Sandy Hook, Asbury Park, and the Monmouth Battlefield State Park