Middlebury Civil War Memorial
Historical marker location: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.
Vermont was the birthplace of the snowmobile: In 1922, a Vermont man named Carl Eliason built the first snowmobile, which he called a "snow machine." The snow machine was made from a Model T Ford engine and had a track instead of wheels. The invention was later refined and became the basis for the modern snowmobile.
European settlement in the area began in the mid-18th century, with the establishment of New Haven and Vergennes, two of the county's oldest towns. The region quickly attracted settlers due to its favorable farming conditions, proximity to Lake Champlain, and opportunities for trade. Agriculture soon became the backbone of the local economy, with farmers producing hay, corn, wheat, and dairy products.
During the American Revolution, Addison County played a significant role in the fight for independence. The Battle of Bennington, a pivotal engagement in the war, took place just south of the county's border in 1777. Many local residents patriotically served in the Continental Army, defending their homes and fighting for liberty.
In the 19th century, Addison County experienced steady growth and development. The construction of the Champlain Canal in the early 1800s brought increased commerce and trade, and the county's population expanded. Villages like Middlebury and Bristol emerged as important centers of education and industry, hosting prestigious colleges and bustling mills and factories.
Today, Addison County remains an agricultural hub, known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant small towns, and strong sense of community. While the county has seen many changes over the years, its rich heritage and agricultural traditions continue to shape its identity.
Addison County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Addison County, Vermont.
- 1761 - Addison County is chartered and named after English writer Joseph Addison
- 1773 - The town of Middlebury is settled
- 1785 - Middlebury College is founded
- 1796 - The town of Vergennes becomes the first chartered city in Vermont
- 1800s - Agriculture, particularly dairy farming, becomes a major industry in the county
- 1825 - The Champlain Transportation Company is established to provide transportation on Lake Champlain
- 1834 - The Rutland and Burlington Railroad, the county's first railroad, is completed
- 1840 - The Vermont Central Railroad is built through the county, connecting it to the rest of the state
- 1851 - Middlebury Female Seminary, precursor to Middlebury College's women's program, is founded
- 1861-1865 - Many men from Addison County serve in the Civil War
- 1883 - The Pulp Mill Bridge in Middlebury is completed, becoming an iconic landmark in the county
- 1891 - The town of Bristol is connected to the rest of the county by a railroad
- 1914-1918 - Many residents of Addison County serve in World War I
- 1920s - The Great Depression affects the county's economy, leading to decreased farm prices and increased poverty
- 1930s - The federal government initiates various relief programs in the county during the Great Depression
- 1941-1945 - Many residents of Addison County serve in World War II
- 1950s-1960s - Interstate 89 is built through the eastern part of the county, improving transportation
- 2000s - The county experiences steady population growth, with more people moving to the area
- Present - Addison County is known for its beautiful landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and vibrant arts scene