Historical Marker

Weatherly Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Weatherly, Pennsylvania
( Marker is at the intersection of East Main Street and Spring Street on East Main Street.)
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.

Audiobooks about the history of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania was once home to a giant freshwater mussel called the Pennsylvania pigtoe, which is now considered endangered.
Pennsylvania random facts
Carbon County is located in eastern Pennsylvania and has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The county was officially formed in 1843 from parts of neighboring counties. It was named after the vast deposits of anthracite coal found in the area, which played a significant role in shaping its history.

The discovery of coal in Carbon County led to a boom in mining and industrial development. The region became a center for coal production, attracting numerous immigrants who came to work in the mines. The coal industry not only fueled the local economy but also contributed to the growth of the railway system. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s brought further prosperity to the county, allowing for more efficient transportation of coal to other parts of the state and beyond.

During the American Civil War, Carbon County played a role in supplying coal to the Union Army. Several coal mines in the county were important suppliers of fuel for the war effort. In addition, the county saw its fair share of veterans returning from the war, contributing to the growth of the population and the development of the region's infrastructure.

Over the years, the coal industry began to decline, leading to economic challenges for Carbon County. However, the county has diversified its economy by focusing on tourism, outdoor recreation, and manufacturing. Today, Carbon County is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with attractions such as the beautiful Lehigh Gorge State Park and the Appalachian Trail. The county also has a rich cultural heritage, with numerous historical sites and museums that showcase its coal mining history.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Carbon County, Pennsylvania.

  • 1818: Carbon County is formed from parts of Northampton and Monroe counties.
  • 1827: The Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company opens the Mauch Chunk Switchback Gravity Railroad, the first roller coaster in the United States.
  • 1843: The town of Mauch Chunk changes its name to Jim Thorpe in honor of the famous Native American athlete.
  • 1850s: The coal mining industry booms in Carbon County, driving economic growth.
  • 1862: The Battle of Packer's Island takes place during the Civil War, with Confederate soldiers briefly occupying Mauch Chunk.
  • 1866: Eckley Miners' Village is established as a model coal mining town.
  • 1870: Formation of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company greatly improves transportation in the region.
  • 1909: The town of Packerton is destroyed by a massive fire.
  • 1942: Construction of the Pocono Raceway begins, which would later become a famous NASCAR track.
  • 1950s-1960s: Decline of the coal industry leads to economic challenges in Carbon County.
  • 1974: The historic Asa Packer Mansion in Jim Thorpe is opened to the public as a museum.
  • 1995: The Lehigh River is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, preserving its natural beauty.
  • 2010: Carbon County celebrates its bicentennial.