Historical Marker

Johnstown Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Johnstown, New York
( Marker is on Union Place.)
Marker installed: 1910

  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.
The Empire State Building, which was completed in 1931, was built during the Great Depression and was funded entirely by private investors. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest building in the world.
New York random facts
Fulton County, located in upstate New York, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to before the colonial era. Originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Mohawk and Mohican tribes, European settlement began in the early 18th century. The area became part of the Mohawk nation's territory, but tensions between indigenous peoples and European settlers increased in the following decades.

During the American Revolution, Fulton County played a significant role. The Battle of Johnstown in 1781 was a crucial turning point in the war, as it saw an American victory over British forces, securing the region for the colonists. After the war, the area experienced rapid growth and development. Iron and lumber industries thrived, and the Erie Canal's completion in 1825 further bolstered economic growth and trade.

Throughout the 19th century, Fulton County continued to flourish as its agricultural, manufacturing, and transportation sectors expanded. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s connected Fulton County to larger markets, driving further industrialization. However, like many regions in the United States, Fulton County faced economic challenges during the Great Depression, which led to the closure of factories and a decline in population.

In recent years, Fulton County has focused on revitalizing its economy and attracting new businesses. Efforts have been made to promote tourism, particularly in the historic city of Johnstown, where visitors can explore landmarks related to the American Revolution era. Today, Fulton County offers a mix of history, natural beauty, and economic opportunities, providing a diverse and vibrant community for its residents.

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

  • 1772 - Fulton County is established as Tryon County, named after Governor William Tryon.
  • 1788 - Tryon County is divided into two separate counties: Montgomery County and Otsego County.
  • 1803 - A portion of Montgomery County is annexed to create Hamilton County.
  • 1838 - The northern part of Montgomery County is separated to form Fulton County, named after inventor Robert Fulton.
  • 1906 - The city of Gloversville is incorporated within Fulton County.
  • 1910 - The city of Johnstown is incorporated within Fulton County.
  • 1970 - The county government is relocated to a new facility in Johnstown.