Historical Marker

Northumberland Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Sunbury, Pennsylvania
( Memorial is at the intersection of Market Street and 3rd Street, in the median on Market 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.
Pennsylvania was once home to a giant freshwater mussel called the Pennsylvania pigtoe, which is now considered endangered.
Pennsylvania random facts
Northumberland County, located in central Pennsylvania, has a rich and fascinating history dating back to its establishment in 1772. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Susquehannocks and the Shawnees, until European settlers arrived.

During the Revolutionary War, Northumberland County played a crucial role as a gathering point for Continental soldiers. Sunbury, the county seat, served as a rendezvous for troops heading to battle. The county saw several military engagements, including the Battle of Fort Freeland in 1779, where local settlers defended against British and Native American forces.

In the early 19th century, Northumberland County became a prominent hub for transportation and industry. The Susquehanna River served as a vital trade route, with sunken barges carrying goods downstream. The county saw the rise of canal systems, such as the North Branch Canal, which facilitated trade and brought economic prosperity to the region. Additionally, the county witnessed the growth of coal mining, ironworks, and textile mills, leading to an influx of workers and the development of towns and cities.

Northumberland County also played an essential role in the development of the American railroad system. The Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, one of the earliest major railroads in the United States, extended its line through the county, transforming the region's transportation landscape. This expansion led to the growth of towns like Shamokin, which thrived as a result of the coal industry and the rail network.

Today, Northumberland County is home to a diverse population and offers a blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and a vibrant community. It continues to honor its rich past while also embracing modern advancements, making it a fascinating destination for both residents and visitors alike.

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

  • 1772 - Northumberland County is established.
  • 1773 - The county is divided into three townships: Sunbury, Northumberland, and Augusta.
  • 1777 - Fort Augusta is constructed to protect the local settlers during the American Revolution.
  • 1785 - The county seat is relocated from Augusta to Sunbury.
  • 1791 - The first bridge over the Susquehanna River is built in Northumberland County.
  • 1800 - The county population reaches over 20,000.
  • 1812 - The Sunbury and Erie Turnpike, the first public highway in central Pennsylvania, is completed.
  • 1822 - Northumberland becomes part of the new Union County.
  • 1855 - The county is reestablished, with a border revision that gives it its current shape and size.
  • 1886 - The first electric streetcar system in the county is introduced in Sunbury.
  • 1928 - The Veterans Memorial Bridge, a major crossing over the Susquehanna River, opens to the public.
  • 1969 - The R. B. Winter State Park is established within the county.
  • 2006 - The Joseph Priestley House in Northumberland County is named a National Historic Landmark.