Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Moscow, Pennsylvania

  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 is home to the longest stone arch bridge in the world, the Rockville Bridge, which spans the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg.
Pennsylvania random facts
Lackawanna County, located in northeastern Pennsylvania, has a rich history that dates back to the Native American tribes who originally inhabited the area. The region was mostly settled by European immigrants in the late 18th century, after the American Revolution. The Lackawanna River played a vital role in the development of the county, as it provided transportation for coal and other goods.

The discovery of anthracite coal in the area in the early 19th century led to a rapid growth of the coal mining industry, making Lackawanna County a crucial player in the Industrial Revolution. The region became known as the "Coal Capital of the World," attracting thousands of workers from various ethnic backgrounds. Along with the mining industry, iron and steel works also flourished, further contributing to the county's economic growth.

During the 20th century, Lackawanna County faced challenges as the demand for coal declined and many coal mines closed. However, efforts were made to diversify the economy, leading to the establishment of industries such as education, healthcare, and manufacturing. The area also became a major hub for transportation, with the construction of highways, railways, and an international airport.

In recent years, Lackawanna County has continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. The county's rich cultural heritage is celebrated through numerous festivals, museums, and historical landmarks. The region's natural beauty, including the Pocono Mountains, provides opportunities for outdoor recreation. Today, Lackawanna County remains a vibrant community with a blend of historical charm, industrial heritage, and a vision for the future.

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

  • 1786: Lackawanna County was formed from part of Luzerne County.
  • 1840: The Delaware and Hudson Canal opened, connecting the county to the Hudson River.
  • 1851: The Scranton Iron Furnaces were built, establishing the county as an industrial center.
  • 1877: The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 occurred in the county, leading to violent clashes between workers and authorities.
  • 1896: Electric streetcars were introduced in the city of Scranton.
  • 1902: The Knox Mine Disaster, a mining accident, resulted in the flooding of several mines and the loss of many lives.
  • 1926: The Scranton-Lackawanna Airport was opened.
  • 1958: The Steamtown National Historic Site was established, preserving the region's railroad heritage.
  • 1976: The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour opened to the public as a tourist attraction.