Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Bath, New York
Marker installed: 1916

  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 recorded jazz concert took place in New York City in 1917, featuring a band led by the pianist James Reese Europe. Jazz music would go on to become a defining feature of New York's cultural scene, with legendary clubs like the Cotton Club and the Village Vanguard.
New York random facts
Steuben County, located in the Western part of New York State, has a rich and diverse history. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Seneca Nation, who were later displaced by European settlers. In the late 18th century, pioneers arrived in the region and began to establish settlements.

The county was officially formed in 1796 and named after Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, a military officer who served in the American Revolutionary War. Steuben County quickly grew in population and became an important agricultural and trading center. The construction of the Erie Canal in the early 19th century further spurred growth and development in the area.

During the Civil War, Steuben County sent a significant number of soldiers to fight for the Union Army. The county also played a role in the Underground Railroad, providing a route for slaves escaping to freedom in Canada. The industrial revolution in the late 19th century led to the establishment of factories and mills in the county, contributing to its economic prosperity.

In the 20th century, Steuben County continued to evolve. The region became a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic landscapes, charming towns, and recreational activities such as boating and fishing. Today, Steuben County is a mix of rural and urban areas, with a strong emphasis on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county has preserved its historical heritage through the restoration of old buildings and the establishment of museums and historical societies.

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

  • 1789 - Steuben County is established as a county in the state of New York.
  • 1796 - Bath is chosen as the county seat.
  • 1804 - Steuben County's population reaches 3,797.
  • 1810 - The first tavern is established in Bath.
  • 1813 - The county experiences its first murder trial.
  • 1823 - The Erie Canal is completed, improving transportation and stimulating economic growth in the county.
  • 1836 - The village of Corning is incorporated.
  • 1853 - The first railroad, the New York and Erie Railroad, reaches Hornellsville in Steuben County.
  • 1892 - The New York State Soldiers' and Sailors' Home is established in Bath.
  • 1920 - The population of Steuben County reaches its peak of 132,752.
  • 1936 - The Civilian Conservation Corps opens a camp in Steuben County, providing employment during the Great Depression.
  • 1957 - The Corning Museum of Glass opens in Corning, becoming a major attraction in the region.
  • 1972 - The Steuben County Historical Society is founded.
  • 1991 - The Corning Incorporated headquarters open in the city of Corning.