Historical Marker

Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
Elmira, New York
( Marker is at the intersection of Winsor Avenue and Hoffman Street, on the right when traveling east on Winsor Avenue.)
Marker installed: 1992

  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 Erie Canal, which opened in 1825 and connects the Hudson River to the Great Lakes, was originally mocked as "Clinton's Folly" after Governor DeWitt Clinton, who championed the project. However, the canal became an economic boon for New York and helped turn the state into a major commercial center.
New York random facts
Chemung County, located in upstate New York, has a rich history that spans several centuries. Its origins can be traced back to the Native American tribes, particularly the Cayuga and the Seneca, who inhabited the region before the arrival of European settlers. The area was subsequently colonized by the British in the 18th century, and there were several skirmishes between the colonizers and Native American groups during the French and Indian War. However, after the American Revolution, the Native American population was progressively displaced.

In the early 19th century, Chemung County experienced significant growth with the construction of the Chemung Canal, which connected the state's southern and northern regions. This canal played a crucial role in stimulating trade and attracting settlers to the area. The county was officially established in 1836, named after the Chemung River that runs through it.

During the mid-19th century, the region became a hub for manufacturing and transportation, with industries such as railroads, lumber, and textiles flourishing. The arrival of the railroad expanded economic opportunities, making Chemung County an important transportation center for the region. The county's largest city, Elmira, emerged as a prosperous industrial center and a key hub on the Erie Railroad line.

In the 20th century, Chemung County experienced its fair share of challenges and successes. It played a significant role during World War II, with the Elmira Correctional Facility being used as a training camp for soldiers. The county continued to thrive with the growth of various industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. Today, Chemung County remains an important part of the Southern Tier region, with a diverse economy and a rich cultural heritage.

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

  • 1779 - Chemung County is settled by European American settlers.
  • 1788 - Chemung County becomes part of Montgomery County.
  • 1791 - Chemung County becomes part of Tioga County.
  • 1836 - Chemung County is established as a separate county.
  • 1854 - The City of Elmira is incorporated in Chemung County.
  • 1861-1865 - During the American Civil War, Elmira serves as a Union Army camp and the site of a prisoner-of-war camp.
  • 1968 - The Chemung County Historical Society is founded.
  • 2002 - The Wings of Eagles Discovery Center, an aerospace museum, opens in Elmira.