Historical Marker

Camp Elder Civil War Paroled P.O.W. Camp

Historical marker location:
945 Trellis Ln, Westtown Township, Pennsylvania
( Marker is at the intersection of Oakbourne Road and Trellis Lane, on the right when traveling west on Oakbourne Road.)
Marker installed: 2013

  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.
The Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American independence, was originally cast in England in 1752 and cracked during its first use. It was recast twice in Philadelphia, and the current bell has been on display in Independence National Historical Park since 2003.
Pennsylvania random facts
Chester County, Pennsylvania, has a rich and fascinating history that traces back to the early days of European settlement in America. The county was originally inhabited by the Lenni Lenape Native American tribe. In the early 17th century, Dutch, Swedish, and English explorers made their way to the area. The first permanent European settlement was established by Dutch traders in 1623 at New Sweden, located near present-day Chester.

In 1681, William Penn was granted a charter to establish a colony that would later become Pennsylvania. Penn actively encouraged settlement in the area, and Chester County quickly grew as English Quakers and other European immigrants flocked to the region. Agriculture played a prominent role in the county's early development, with farmers cultivating wheat, barley, and corn.

The American Revolutionary War had a significant impact on Chester County, as the area witnessed several crucial battles. The battle of Brandywine, fought in 1777, saw General George Washington's troops clash with British forces. Although the Americans lost the battle, it marked a turning point in the war and led to their eventual victory.

In the 19th century, Chester County experienced significant industrial growth. The rise of the railroad brought increased commerce, as factories and mills sprouted up throughout the county. The county's population grew, and towns such as West Chester, Phoenixville, and Coatesville thrived. Today, Chester County is known for its historical landmarks, charming small towns, and beautiful countryside. It continues to attract visitors and residents alike with its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Chester County, Pennsylvania.

  • 1682 - Chester County is established by William Penn as one of the original counties of Pennsylvania.
  • 1683 - The first county courthouse is built in Chester County in the town of Chester.
  • 1713 - The Great Valley Presbyterian Church, one of the oldest Presbyterian churches in the United States, is founded in Chester County.
  • 1777 - During the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Brandywine takes place in Chester County, resulting in a British victory.
  • 1786 - The village of West Chester is officially incorporated as a borough in Chester County.
  • 1791 - The construction of the first bridge over the Schuylkill River, known as the Parker Ford Bridge, is completed in Chester County.
  • 1863 - During the American Civil War, Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart's cavalry passes through Chester County during the Gettysburg Campaign.
  • 1950 - The population of Chester County surpasses 100,000, marking a significant increase from its early settlement days.
  • 1963 - Valley Forge National Historical Park is established in Chester County, preserving the site of the Continental Army's winter encampment during the Revolutionary War.
  • 2000 - Chester County becomes one of the fastest-growing counties in Pennsylvania, with a population exceeding 400,000.
  • 2018 - Chester County continues to thrive and develop as a diverse and vibrant community in southeastern Pennsylvania.