Historical Marker

Flushing Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
Flushing, New York
( Marker is at the intersection of Northern Boulevard and Linden Place, in the median on Northern Boulevard.)
Marker installed: 1865

  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.
The Erie Canal, which opened in 1825 and connects the Hudson River to the Great Lakes, was originally mocked as "Clinton's Folly" after Governor DeWitt Clinton, who championed the project. However, the canal became an economic boon for New York and helped turn the state into a major commercial center.
New York random facts
Queens County, located in New York State, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by the Native American Lenape tribes, who fished and farmed in the fertile lands by the rivers and bays. In 1683, Queens County was established as one of the original 12 counties of New York, named after Catherine of Braganza, the queen consort of King Charles II of England.

During the Revolutionary War, the area played a significant role. Some famous battles, such as the Battle of Long Island, took place in Queens. The war left its mark on the county, with many historical sites and landmarks still present today, including the Old Quaker Meeting House and the Jamaica Pass Battlefield.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Queens County experienced significant growth and development. The building of the Long Island Rail Road in the mid-1800s brought increased transportation and commerce to the area. Immigrants from various countries, such as Ireland, Germany, Italy, and more recently, from Asian and Latin American countries, settled in Queens, contributing to its cultural diversity.

In 1898, Queens became one of the five boroughs of New York City, along with Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. This incorporation into the city led to further infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of bridges and highways. Today, Queens has become a bustling borough with vibrant neighborhoods, renowned cultural institutions like the Museum of Modern Art PS1, and one of the major international gateways in the United States, JFK Airport.

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

  • 1683 - Queens County is established as one of the original twelve counties in the Province of New York.
  • 1784 - Queens County loses a portion of its territory to form Nassau County.
  • 1898 - Queens County becomes a borough of New York City as part of the consolidation of the city's five boroughs.
  • 1939 - The World's Fair is held in Queens, bringing international attention to the borough.
  • 1964 - Another World's Fair takes place in Queens, showcasing technological advancements and cultural exhibits.
  • 1970 - The New York City Subway's Flushing-Main Street station is opened, connecting Queens to the rest of the city.
  • 2012 - Superstorm Sandy causes significant damage to parts of Queens, particularly coastal areas.