Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Ellenville, New York
Marker installed: 1906

  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 Hudson River School of painting, which was a 19th-century art movement that focused on landscapes and the natural world, was founded in New York State. Some of its most famous artists, such as Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church, lived and worked in the Hudson River Valley.
New York random facts
Ulster County, located in the state of New York, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape Native American tribe before European settlers arrived in the 17th century. In 1614, the first European exploration of the region took place when Dutch navigator Hendrick Christiaensen sailed up the Hudson River.

In 1652, the Dutch established the town of Wiltwyck, which would later become Kingston, the county seat. The settlement quickly grew as a center for trade between the Dutch and local Native American tribes. However, the area was also marked by conflict, with tensions between the Dutch and British escalating.

During the American Revolution, Ulster County played a significant role. The area had a strong presence of patriots, and Kingston briefly served as the first capital of New York State. In 1777, the county was a target of a British invasion. The Burning of Kingston occurred in October of that year, leaving the city devastated.

As the county developed in the 19th century, it became a major hub for agriculture and manufacturing. The development of the Delaware and Hudson Canal and the arrival of the railroad further boosted the local economy. A diverse range of industries emerged, including tanning, textile manufacturing, and brick making, which contributed to the county's growth and prosperity.

In the 20th century, Ulster County witnessed significant changes. It transformed into a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and historic sites. The iconic Woodstock Music Festival took place in Bethel, just outside of Ulster County, in 1969, leaving a lasting cultural impact on the region. Today, Ulster County continues to thrive as a vibrant community, preserving its history while embracing innovation and progress.

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

  • 1600s: The region of Ulster County is inhabited by the Lenape Native American tribe.
  • 1609: Henry Hudson, an English explorer, sails up the Hudson River and claims the land for the Dutch.
  • 1664: The British take control of the area from the Dutch and name it Ulster County.
  • 1714: The county becomes part of the newly formed colony of New York.
  • 1777-1783: Ulster County contributes actively to the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1797: Kingston is established as the county seat.
  • 1800s: The county experiences growth and development with the expansion of the Erie Canal and the arrival of the railroad.
  • 1869: The Shawangunk Ridge is designated as a national forest.
  • 1907: The Catskill Forest Preserve is established, protecting much of the county's natural beauty.
  • 1969: The Woodstock Music Festival takes place in Bethel, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees.
  • 1987: The Walkway Over the Hudson, a pedestrian bridge, opens as the longest elevated park in the world.