Historical Marker

Le Roy Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
LeRoy, New York
( Memorial is at the intersection of Main Street (New York State Route 5) and Wolcott Street, on the right on Main 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.

Exploring the charming towns and villages of upstate New York is like stepping back in time. It's a magical experience.
Robert Downey Jr. in Town & Country Magazine
Genesee County, located in western New York State, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The county was officially established in 1802 and named after the Genesee River, which flows through the region. Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Seneca Nation.

In the early years of settlement, Genesee County developed rapidly due to its fertile land, abundant water resources, and access to transportation routes. The construction of the Erie Canal in the 1820s greatly facilitated trade and contributed to the county's prosperity. As a result, agriculture became the dominant industry, with crops such as wheat, corn, and oats being cultivated.

During the mid-19th century, Genesee County experienced a period of economic growth and urbanization. The county's largest city, Batavia, became a center for manufacturing and trade. Industries such as textiles, ironworks, and brewing flourished. Additionally, the county became an important stop on the Underground Railroad, assisting escaped slaves in their journey to freedom.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Genesee County underwent significant changes due to industrialization and technological advancements. Agriculture became more mechanized, leading to a decline in the number of small farms. Manufacturing and other industries diversified, with companies like Massey-Ferguson and Doehler-Jarvis establishing operations in the county. Today, Genesee County continues to be a vibrant community, known for its agriculture, recreational opportunities, and historic landmarks that reflect its rich history.

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

  • 1687 - Genesee County was part of the territory of the Iroquois Confederacy.
  • 1802 - The Holland Land Company purchased the land from the Native Americans.
  • 1803 - First settlement was established in the area by Joseph Ellicott.
  • 1806 - Genesee County was created from parts of Ontario County.
  • 1812-1815 - Genesee County played a significant role in the War of 1812.
  • 1823 - The Erie Canal was completed, bringing economic growth to the region.
  • 1836 - A section of Genesee County was used to create Wyoming County.
  • 1866 - The county seat was moved from Batavia to its current location in the City of Batavia.
  • 1900s - Genesee County became an important agricultural center, known for dairy farming.
  • 1956 - Construction of the New York State Thruway was completed, running through Genesee County.
  • Present - Genesee County continues to thrive with a diverse economy and a rich historical heritage.