Historical Marker

Delaware County Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Delhi, New York
( Memorial is at the intersection of Main Street (New York State Route 10) and Court Street, on the right when traveling south on Main Street.)
Marker installed: 1906

Soldiers' Monument

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of New York.
New York State was home to several utopian communities in the 19th century, including the Oneida Community in central New York, which practiced communal living and free love, and the Shakers, who were known for their furniture and craftsmanship.
New York random facts
Delaware County, located in the state of New York, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back centuries. The area that is now Delaware County was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Lenape, before the arrival of European settlers. In the 18th century, European settlers began to establish communities in the region, with the town of Delhi being founded in 1798.

During the American Revolution, Delaware County played a significant role as both a home to loyalist sympathizers and a hotbed of patriot activity. The region experienced military clashes and acts of rebellion, such as the Battle of Andes, which took place in 1778. After the revolution, Delaware County boomed economically, with industries like logging, tanning, and dairy farming driving growth in the 19th century.

The mid-19th century brought significant changes to Delaware County, particularly with the construction of the Erie Railroad in the 1840s. This new transportation infrastructure opened up the region for trade and development, leading to the growth of towns like Walton, Margaretville, and Andes. The railroad also brought an influx of tourists and summer residents, attracted by the natural beauty of the Catskill Mountains and the Delaware River.

In the 20th century, Delaware County experienced both challenges and opportunities. The decline of traditional industries like farming and logging led to an economic downturn, but the county has seen a resurgence in recent years. Today, Delaware County is known for its vibrant arts scene, natural landscapes, and a mix of small towns and rural communities that offer a rich cultural heritage for residents and visitors alike.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Delaware County, New York.

  • 1673 - Dutch explorers arrive and claim the territory for the Netherlands.
  • 1682 - The land is transferred to the English as part of the Duke of York's proprietary colony.
  • 1797 - Delaware County is established as one of the original counties of the state of New York.
  • 1809 - The construction of the Delaware and Hudson Canal begins, bringing economic growth to the region.
  • 1827 - The village of Delhi is incorporated as the county seat.
  • 1883 - The Delaware and Northern Railroad is completed, providing a new transportation route.
  • 1920 - The Prohibition era begins, leading to the rise of illegal alcohol production in the region.
  • 1969 - The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development is founded, promoting environmental preservation.
  • 1997 - The New York City Watershed Agreement is signed, aiming to protect the water quality of the region.
  • 2005 - The Delaware County Historical Association is established to preserve and promote local history.