Historical Marker

Civil War Veterans Memorial

Historical marker location:
800 Grant Avenue, Syracuse, New York
Marker installed: 1918

  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 Adirondack Park, which covers more than six million acres in upstate New York, is the largest park in the contiguous United States. It was established in 1892 and contains more than 2,000 miles of hiking trails.
New York random facts
Onondaga County, located in central New York, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It was originally inhabited by the Onondaga nation, one of the six nations that formed the Iroquois Confederacy. The Onondaga people were skilled farmers and traders, and their influence extended throughout the region. In 1654, French Jesuit missionaries established a mission in the area, marking the first European presence.

The arrival of European settlers in the late 18th century brought significant changes to Onondaga County. In 1794, the area became part of the newly created Onondaga County, named after the Onondaga people. Syracuse, the county seat and current largest city, was founded in 1820 and quickly grew due to its advantageous location for transportation and industry. The construction of the Erie Canal, completed in 1825, further boosted the region's development by facilitating trade and connecting New York City with the Great Lakes.

By the mid-19th century, Onondaga County became an industrial hub, with a booming salt industry, manufacturing, and trade. The county's salt reserves were highly valuable, earning Syracuse the nickname "Salt City." The region also played a significant role in the abolitionist movement, with notable figures such as Harriet Tubman and Gerrit Smith actively involved in the Underground Railroad.

In the 20th century, Onondaga County continued to thrive, embracing innovation and industry. The area witnessed the growth of Syracuse University, established in 1870, as well as the development of various manufacturing sectors including automobiles, electronics, and defense. Today, Onondaga County remains a vibrant and diverse community, blending its rich history with modern advancements in education, technology, and cultural heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Onondaga County, New York.

  • 1600s - The area that would become Onondaga County is home to the Onondaga Nation, one of the six nations of the Haudenosaunee, or Iroquois Confederacy.
  • 1779 - The Sullivan Expedition, led by General John Sullivan, devastates Onondaga settlements in retaliation for their support of the British during the American Revolution.
  • 1784 - The Treaty of Fort Stanwix is signed, establishing boundaries and reaffirming the sovereignty of the Onondaga Nation.
  • 1794 - Onondaga County is created as part of the newly formed state of New York.
  • 1825 - The Erie Canal opens, connecting Onondaga County and Syracuse to the Great Lakes and transforming the region into a major transportation hub.
  • 1834 - The city of Syracuse is officially incorporated.
  • 1848 - The discovery of salt deposits near Syracuse leads to the development of a lucrative salt industry in the area.
  • 1871 - Syracuse University is established.
  • 1878 - The city of Syracuse becomes the county seat of Onondaga County.
  • 1946 - The post-World War II era sees significant growth and development in Onondaga County, with expanding industries and infrastructure.
  • 1971 - Destiny USA, one of the largest malls in the United States, opens in Syracuse.
  • 2021 - Onondaga County continues to be a vibrant region with a diverse economy, including sectors such as healthcare, education, technology, and tourism.