Historical Marker

G.A.R. Veterans of the Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
1650 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, New York
( Memorial can be reached from Richmond Terrace north of Alaska Street, on the right when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 2004

  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 oldest standing lighthouse in New York State is the Montauk Point Lighthouse, which was completed in 1796 and is located on the eastern tip of Long Island. It is also the fourth-oldest active lighthouse in the United States.
New York random facts
Richmond County, also known as Staten Island, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. It is one of the five boroughs of New York City, located in the southwest part of the city. The island was originally home to several Native American tribes, including the Lenape, who had a peaceful existence until the arrival of European settlers.

In 1609, Henry Hudson, an English explorer working for the Dutch East India Company, sailed into the waters around Staten Island. This marked the beginning of European colonization in the area. The Dutch and the English both claimed the island, and it went back and forth between the two powers until the English finally gained control in 1664.

During the American Revolutionary War, Staten Island played a significant role. The British used the island as a base of operations, due to its strategic location between New York City and New Jersey. The notorious Battle of Staten Island took place in 1776, with the British successfully defending their position against an American attack.

In the mid-19th century, Staten Island transformed from a rural agricultural community into a residential suburb. The construction of the Staten Island Ferry in 1886 provided convenient transportation to and from Manhattan, leading to a population boom. The opening of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in 1964 further enhanced accessibility and facilitated even more development.

Today, Richmond County is a vibrant and diverse borough of New York City, known for its suburban charm, beautiful parks, and thriving communities. It is home to a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas, with a rich cultural heritage reflected in its museums, historical sites, and events. Despite its growth and urbanization, the island has managed to preserve its natural beauty and remains a beloved retreat for its residents and visitors alike.

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

  • Pre-1637: Native American tribes, such as the Lenape, inhabit the land that will become Richmond County.
  • 1637: The Dutch West India Company established a trading post on Staten Island.
  • 1661: Staten Island is officially incorporated as part of the Province of New York.
  • 1670s-1690s: English settlers begin establishing farms and plantations on Staten Island.
  • 1683: Richmond County is established as one of the original counties of the Province of New York.
  • 1776: Staten Island becomes occupied by British forces during the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1783: Following the American Revolution, Staten Island is evacuated by British forces.
  • 1898: Staten Island is consolidated with New York City, becoming one of its five boroughs.
  • 1964: The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, connecting Richmond County to Brooklyn, is completed.
  • 2001: Staten Island is severely affected by the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, as many residents were among the victims.