Historical Marker

Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
Glens Falls, New York
( Marker is at the intersection of Bay Street and Maple Street, on the right when traveling north on Bay Street.)
Marker installed: 1872

  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 American chess tournament was held in New York City in 1843, and it was won by a 21-year-old named Paul Morphy.
New York random facts
Warren County, located in upstate New York, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The region was originally inhabited by the Algonquin and Iroquois Native American tribes before European settlers arrived in the 18th century. Originally part of Albany County, Warren County was established in 1813, named after American Revolutionary War hero General Joseph Warren.

In the early years of settlement, agriculture played a significant role in Warren County's economy. Farmers cultivated crops such as corn, wheat, and potatoes, while the region's abundant forests provided timber for construction and trade. The completion of the Champlain Canal in 1823 opened up new opportunities for commerce and transportation, linking Warren County to markets throughout the Hudson River Valley.

The mid-19th century brought significant changes to the county with the emergence of the lumber and mining industries. The vast forests of Warren County were harvested for timber, which was used for building homes, ships, and railroad ties. Additionally, iron mines were opened, and the county became an important producer of iron ore. This period of growth and industrialization led to an increase in population and the development of new towns and villages throughout Warren County.

With the decline of the lumber and mining industries in the late 19th century, tourism emerged as a major economic driver for Warren County. The region's natural beauty, including Lake George, the Adirondack Mountains, and numerous recreational opportunities, attracted visitors from near and far. Today, Warren County continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination, offering a wide range of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and historical sites that showcase the county's fascinating past.

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

  • 1768 - Warren County founded as part of Albany County in the Province of New York.
  • 1772 - The town of Queensbury is settled.
  • 1780 - During the American Revolutionary War, General John Stark's forces win the Battle of Bennington, which helps to secure the area.
  • 1813 - Warren County is officially formed on March 12th, 1813.
  • 1839 - Lake George steamboats begin operating, promoting tourism in the region.
  • 1851 - A fire destroys a significant portion of the county seat, resulting in the relocation of the county government to Glens Falls.
  • 1863 - The Battle of Fort Ann, a minor engagement during the American Civil War, takes place in Warren County.
  • 1908 - The Glen Iris Inn on Lake Placid, now known as The Sagamore, opens and becomes a renowned resort attracting wealthy visitors.
  • 1928 - The Sacandaga Reservoir is completed, flooding large portions of the county and displacing numerous communities.
  • 1950s - The construction of the Northway (Interstate 87) brings increased accessibility to Warren County and boosts tourism.