Historical Marker

Wars that Shaped the Nation

Historical marker location:
West Point, New York
( Marker is at the intersection of Cullum Road and Cullum Road, on the right when traveling north on Cullum Road.)

The American Civil War

  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 first woman to vote in a United States presidential election was a resident of Rochester, New York named Susan B. Anthony. She cast her ballot in the 1872 election, for which she was arrested and fined.
New York random facts
Orange County, NY is a county located in the state of New York, USA. It was established on November 1, 1683, as one of the original 12 counties in the colony of New York. The county's name is said to have been derived from the Dutch House of Orange-Nassau, honoring William of Orange, the Prince of Orange and future King William III of England.

During the American Revolutionary War, Orange County played a significant role. It served as a major supply route for the Continental Army, and its Hudson River area witnessed several important military engagements. The decisive Battle of Minisink, fought in 1779, is notable as one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolution.

In the early 19th century, Orange County experienced significant industrial growth. Its natural resources, such as iron ore and coal, fueled the expansion of industries like mining and manufacturing. The Erie Railroad's arrival in the mid-1800s also enhanced the county's economic development, opening up markets for its products and increasing transportation options.

Throughout the 20th century, Orange County transformed into a suburban area, largely due to its proximity to New York City. The county's population grew, and suburban developments expanded, attracting residents seeking a more affordable and less crowded lifestyle. Today, Orange County is a diverse and vibrant community, offering a mix of urban and rural experiences, historical sites, natural beauty, and a strong local economy.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Orange County, New York.

  • 1683 - Orange County is established as one of the original 12 counties in New York.
  • 1765-1775 - Tensions rise between American colonists and the British Empire, leading to the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1779 - The Sullivan Expedition, led by General John Sullivan, targets Native American tribes in the area during the Revolutionary War.
  • 1801 - The village of Goshen becomes the county seat of Orange County.
  • 1840 - The Erie Railroad expands into Orange County, boosting transportation and economic growth.
  • 1919-1933 - Prohibition, a nationwide ban on the sale and production of alcohol, leads to an increase in illegal activities and bootlegging in Orange County.
  • 1939-1945 - Orange County contributes to the war effort during World War II, with many residents serving in the military and local industries supporting the war production.
  • 1969 - Woodstock Music Festival, a pivotal moment in American countercultural history, takes place in the town of Bethel in Orange County.
  • 2001 - The September 11 attacks in New York City have a significant impact on Orange County, as many residents commute to the city for work.