Historical Marker

Glen Cove Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Glen Cove, New York
( Memorial is at the intersection of School Street and Forest Avenue, on the right when traveling north on School 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.

Audiobooks about the history of New York.
In 1777, the Battle of Saratoga took place in upstate New York and is considered a turning point in the American Revolution. It was the first major American victory and led to France recognizing the United States as a sovereign nation and entering the war as an ally.
New York random facts
Nassau County, located on Long Island, New York, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Lenape tribe, who lived off the land and engaged in trade with Europeans. In the 17th century, Dutch and English settlers established farms and villages on the island, including Hempstead and Oyster Bay, which are among the oldest English-speaking settlements in the United States.

During the American Revolutionary War, Nassau County played a significant role. British troops occupied Long Island, and the Battle of Long Island, fought in 1776, resulted in a decisive British victory. The county's proximity to New York City made it a strategically important location and it served as a base for British forces throughout the conflict. However, after the war, the region experienced significant growth and development, with new towns and settlements established.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Nassau County became a popular destination for wealthy New York City residents seeking summer retreats. The construction of the Long Island Rail Road in the 1830s made the area more accessible, leading to the establishment of luxurious mansions and resorts, particularly along the Gold Coast. This era of opulence and extravagance was immortalized in F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, "The Great Gatsby."

Following World War II, Nassau County experienced rapid suburbanization. Affordable housing, improved transportation infrastructure, and the post-war economic boom attracted large numbers of families to the area. With the construction of highways and the expansion of suburban developments, Nassau County transformed into a growing residential and commercial hub.

Today, Nassau County remains a thriving and diverse region, with a mix of suburban neighborhoods, bustling commercial centers, and vibrant cultural attractions. It continues to be an attractive destination for residents, tourists, and businesses alike, offering a blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities.

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

  • 1643 - Dutch colonists settle in present-day Nassau County.
  • 1664 - English takes control from the Dutch.
  • 1784 - The Town of North Hempstead is established.
  • 1806 - The Town of Oyster Bay is incorporated.
  • 1859 - Long Island Rail Road is extended to east of Brooklyn, opening up Nassau County.
  • 1899 - Nassau County is officially formed.
  • 1922 - Levittown, the first true suburb of Nassau County, is developed.
  • 1947 - Post-World War II suburban development booms in Nassau County.
  • 1999 - Nassau Coliseum is opened.