Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
602 Peach Street, Erie, Pennsylvania
( Memorial is at the intersection of Peach Street (Alternate Pennsylvania Route 5) and West 6th Street on Peach Street.)

  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 Hershey Company, one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world, was founded in Hershey, Pennsylvania, in 1894.
Pennsylvania random facts
Erie County, Pennsylvania has a rich history shaped by its geography and location in North Western Pennsylvania. The area was originally home to Native American tribes such as the Erie, who gave the region its name. The first European explorers, including French and British traders, began to arrive in the late 17th century.

In the 18th century, the area that is now Erie County became part of the larger region known as the Pennsylvanian frontier. The French and Indian War and the American Revolution further shaped the history of the county, as forts and military outposts were established to protect the area from conflict. These events also led to a significant influx of settlers, mostly of European descent, who established farms and towns in the region.

Erie County's strategic location on the shores of Lake Erie made it an ideal location for trade and industry in the 19th century. The completion of the Erie Canal in 1825 connected the region to the Atlantic Ocean and led to a boom in shipping and commerce. The county's natural resources, including iron ore and coal, also contributed to its economic growth. The establishment of the city of Erie as a port and industrial center further solidified the county's position as an important hub.

In the 20th century, Erie County experienced both economic prosperity and challenges. The decline of the manufacturing industry in the latter half of the century led to job losses and economic downturn, but the area has made efforts to diversify its economy. Today, Erie County is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including Presque Isle State Park, and its vibrant arts and culture scene.

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

  • 1795: Erie County is established as part of the Northwest Territory.
  • 1800: The first settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1803: Erie County becomes part of the newly created Ohio Territory.
  • 1805: The town of Erie is founded.
  • 1812: The War of 1812 begins, and Erie County becomes a key location for naval activities.
  • 1839: The first courthouse is built in Erie County.
  • 1877: The Erie Extension Canal is completed, connecting Lake Erie to Pittsburgh.
  • 1881: The first electric streetcar line is established in Erie County.
  • 1892: Presque Isle State Park is established.
  • 1917: The United States enters World War I, leading to increased industrial activity in Erie County.
  • 1938: The first water treatment plant is built in Erie County.
  • 1959: The Bayfront Parkway is completed, improving transportation and access to Lake Erie.
  • 1983: The Erie Land and Water Transportation System is designated a National Historic Landmark.
  • 2018: Erie County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.