Historical Marker

Avon Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
Avon, New York
( Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (New York State Route 5) and Genesee Street, in the median 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.

The Hudson River School of painting, which was a 19th-century art movement that focused on landscapes and the natural world, was founded in New York State. Some of its most famous artists, such as Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church, lived and worked in the Hudson River Valley.
New York random facts
Livingston County, located in western New York, has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1821. The area was originally inhabited by the Seneca Nation, part of the Iroquois Confederacy, who used the Genesee River as a vital waterway for transportation and trade. European exploration of the area began in the 17th century, with French and British settlers establishing trade networks and alliances with the Native American tribes.

In the aftermath of the American Revolution, the Sullivan Campaign of 1779 against the Iroquois Confederacy led to the displacement of the Seneca people from their ancestral lands. This opened up the area for settlement by European-Americans, and Livingston County was named after Robert R. Livingston, a prominent Founding Father and landowner in the region.

The early 19th century saw the establishment of towns and villages within Livingston County, including the county seat, Geneseo. The construction of the Genesee Valley Canal in the 1830s further facilitated settlement and economic growth, with the canal serving as a crucial transportation route for the agricultural and manufacturing industries.

During the mid-19th century, Livingston County played a significant role in the Abolitionist Movement and the Underground Railroad. Prominent abolitionists such as Frederick Douglass and William Morgan used the county as a base of operations, and many residents were involved in helping enslaved individuals escape to freedom.

Today, Livingston County is known for its scenic landscapes, historic sites, and strong sense of community. The region has embraced its agricultural heritage, with farming and agribusiness remaining important economic sectors. The county also boasts educational institutions, such as the State University of New York at Geneseo, that contribute to the cultural and intellectual life of the area.

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

  • 1683 - Livingston County is part of Albany County, which includes all of present-day New York State.
  • 1781 - Albany County is divided, and Livingston County is part of Tryon County.
  • 1784 - Tryon County is divided, and Livingston County is part of Ontario County.
  • 1802 - Genesee County is formed from parts of Ontario County, and Livingston County is part of Genesee County.
  • 1821 - Livingston County is officially established as a separate county.
  • 1823 - Avon, the first town in Livingston County, is incorporated.
  • 1825 - Mount Morris, Caledonia, Livonia, and Lima are incorporated as towns in Livingston County.
  • 1831 - Geneseo is incorporated as a town in Livingston County.
  • 1850s - The railroad reaches Livingston County, spurring growth and economic development.
  • 1870s - Livonia Station becomes a major railroad hub in the county.
  • 1920s - The Great Depression hits Livingston County, causing economic decline.
  • 1940s - Livingston County experiences a resurgence in agriculture and manufacturing industries.
  • 1990s - Tourism becomes an important part of the county's economy.
  • Present - Livingston County continues to thrive with a diverse economy and a rich history.