Historical Marker

Woonsocket Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Blackstone Street, Woonsocket, Rhode Island
( Memorial is at the intersection of Main Street, on the left when traveling north on Main 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 Rhode Island.
The Industrial Revolution started in Rhode Island in the late 1700s with the construction of Samuel Slater's cotton-spinning mill in Pawtucket, which became the first successful water-powered cotton mill in the United States.
Rhode Island random facts
Providence County, located in the state of Rhode Island, has a rich and storied history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by the Narragansett Native American tribe before European colonization began in the 17th century. In 1636, Roger Williams founded the settlement of Providence, which would become the capital city of Rhode Island and the county seat of Providence County.

During the 18th century, Providence County experienced rapid industrial growth. The region became a major center for manufacturing, particularly in textiles, which helped fuel the Industrial Revolution in America. Mills and factories sprang up along the banks of the Blackstone River, utilizing its water power. This economic expansion led to an influx of immigrants, including Irish and Italian populations, who played a significant role in the area's cultural diversity.

Providence County played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. It was the site of important military actions such as the burning of the British revenue cutter Gaspee in 1772, a famous act of resistance against British authority. The county also supplied troops for the Continental Army, and notable figures like General Nathanael Greene, a trusted aide of George Washington, hailed from the area.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Providence County continued to thrive industrially and economically. It became a center for innovation in fields like jewelry manufacturing and machine tool production. Additionally, the county witnessed significant social advancements, such as the establishment of institutions for higher education, including Brown University in Providence.

Today, Providence County remains a vibrant and diverse region. Its rich history is showcased through numerous museums, historic sites, and cultural events. The county's legacy as an industrial and cultural hub continues to shape its identity and contribute to Rhode Island's overall heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Providence County, Rhode Island.

  • 1636: Providence County was founded by Roger Williams when he purchased land from the Narragansett tribe.
  • 1643: Providence Plantations, including Providence County, joined the New England Confederation.
  • 1703: Providence County was officially established as one of three counties in the colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
  • 1780: The Rhode Island General Assembly divided Providence County into five separate towns: Providence, Pawtucket, Cumberland, and Smithfield.
  • 1804: The city of Providence was officially incorporated as a separate municipality within Providence County.
  • 1831: The city of Pawtucket was officially incorporated as a separate municipality within Providence County.
  • 1868: The town of East Providence was separated from the city of Providence and incorporated as a separate municipality.
  • 1871: Burrillville was separated from Glocester and became a separate town in Providence County.
  • 1910: Woonsocket was incorporated as a city within Providence County.
  • 1972: Foster and Scituate were transferred from Providence County to neighboring Kent County.
  • 1986: The town of Smithfield was expanded to include the former town of Georgiaville.