Historical Marker

The 150th Anniversary of the Start of the Civil War

Historical marker location:
Marilla, New York
( Memorial is at the intersection of Bullis Road (County Route 331) and Two Rod Road, on the left when traveling east on Bullis Road.)
Marker installed: 2011

  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.
In 1901, President William McKinley was assassinated in Buffalo, New York. He was shot by an anarchist named Leon Czolgosz while attending the Pan-American Exposition.
New York random facts
Erie County, located in western New York state, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to ancient times. The area was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, primarily the Seneca Nation of Indians. In the 17th century, European explorers, traders, and missionaries arrived, with the French establishing a brief presence in the region. However, after the French and Indian War, control over the area shifted to the British.

In the late 18th century, following the American Revolution, the region that is now Erie County became part of the newly formed United States. The area experienced significant growth and development in the early 19th century, with the construction of the Erie Canal, a transformative project connecting the Great Lakes to the Hudson River, passing through the county. This led to the expansion of trade and commerce and attracted settlers from various parts of the country.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Erie County continued to thrive, becoming a center for industry and innovation. Buffalo, the county's largest city and the second-largest city in New York, played a crucial role in the development of transportation and manufacturing. It was a major hub for the Great Lakes shipping industry and became known as the "Queen City of the Great Lakes." The county also saw advancements in education and culture, with the establishment of schools, libraries, and cultural institutions.

In recent decades, Erie County has faced economic challenges due to deindustrialization and changes in the global economy. However, efforts have been made to diversify the economy and promote revitalization. Today, the county is known for its natural beauty, with attractions such as Niagara Falls and the Buffalo waterfront. It is also home to a vibrant arts and cultural scene, as well as several universities and research institutions. Erie County continues to evolve, embracing its rich history while looking towards a promising future.

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

  • 1679 - French explorer Robert de La Salle claims the area for France
  • 1758 - British forces capture the area during the French and Indian War
  • 1784 - The Sullivan Expedition destroys Native American villages in the area
  • 1800 - The Holland Land Company purchases the land from the Seneca Nation
  • 1810 - Buffalo becomes the first town in Erie County
  • 1812-1814 - Erie County sees battles during the War of 1812
  • 1821 - Erie County is officially established
  • 1825 - Completion of the Erie Canal boosts the county's economy
  • 1848 - Construction of the Buffalo and New York City Railroad begins
  • 1851 - Buffalo's population exceeds 42,000 people
  • 1872 - The Buffalo Zoo opens, becoming the third oldest zoo in the country
  • 1884 - Construction of the Erie County Hall is completed
  • 1901 - President William McKinley is assassinated in Buffalo
  • 1938 - The opening of the Buffalo Niagara International Airport
  • 1956 - Construction of the Niagara Thruway is completed
  • 1964-1965 - Buffalo hosts the World's Fair, known as Expo '64
  • 1970 - The construction of the Buffalo Metro Rail system begins
  • 1984 - The Buffalo Bills reach their first Super Bowl
  • 2006 - The implementation of the Buffalo-Niagara Riverkeeper organization