Historical Marker

In Memory of Our Fallen Civil War Soldiers

Historical marker location:
Macedon, New York
( Memorial can be reached from South Erie Street, ΒΌ mile south of Crest Avenue.)
Marker installed: 2016

  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 New York City subway system, which opened in 1904, was the first rapid transit system in the world. The original line ran from City Hall to 145th Street in Harlem.
New York random facts
Wayne County, located in the western part of New York State, has a rich and diverse history that dates back long before the arrival of European settlers. Before the 18th century, the region was inhabited by indigenous peoples, primarily the Seneca and Cayuga tribes of the Iroquois Confederacy. These tribes lived off the land, engaging in agriculture, hunting, and gathering activities, and their presence is still felt in the county today.

In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive in what is now Wayne County. The region became part of the Sullivan-Clinton Campaign during the American Revolutionary War, as General Sullivan's troops marched through the area, destroying the Native American villages and crops. Following the war, the area experienced rapid growth, and in 1823, Wayne County was officially established.

Agriculture played a vital role in the county's development, with fertile soil and access to the Erie Canal making it an ideal location for farming. The county became known as the "Breadbasket of the Empire State" due to its productive farmland and abundant crop yields. It became a leading producer of apples, cherries, and onions, with orchards and farms dotting the landscape.

During the mid-19th century, Wayne County's economy expanded beyond agriculture. The construction of the Erie Canal and later the railroad brought increased commerce, and industry began to thrive. Mills, factories, and ironworks sprang up, contributing to the county's growth and prosperity.

Wayne County continued to evolve throughout the 20th century, adapting to changes in agriculture and industry. Today, it remains an agricultural hub while also embracing tourism, with its charming small towns, historic sites, and natural beauty attracting visitors from near and far. Its rich history and vibrant communities make Wayne County a unique and significant part of New York's heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Wayne County, New York.

  • 1683 - Wayne County is part of Albany County in the Province of New York.
  • 1766 - Ontario County is formed, including present-day Wayne County within its boundaries.
  • 1789 - Wayne County is established as a separate county from Ontario County.
  • 1805 - Lyons is chosen as the county seat of Wayne County.
  • 1810 - Wayne County gains its current boundaries.
  • 1823 - The Erie Canal opens, bringing economic growth to Wayne County.
  • 1850 - The population of Wayne County reaches over 35,000.
  • 1906 - The first commercial fruit farm is established in Wayne County.
  • 1952 - Wayne County Airport is opened.
  • 2002 - Wayne County celebrates its bicentennial.