Historical Marker

St Johnsbury Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
1126 Main Street, St Johnsbury, Vermont
( Memorial is at the intersection of Main Street (U.S. 2) and Eastern Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Main Street.)
Marker installed: 1867

  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 Vermont.
Vermont was once an independent republic: In 1777, Vermont declared itself an independent republic, separate from both the United States and Great Britain. The republic lasted for 14 years until it was admitted as the 14th state in the Union in 1791.
Vermont random facts
Caledonia County, located in northeastern Vermont, has a rich history that can be traced back to its early settlement in the late 18th century. The county was officially established in 1796 and was named after the Latin word for Scotland, reflecting the Scottish origins of many of its early settlers. These settlers were drawn to the area by the availability of land and natural resources.

In its early years, Caledonia County was primarily an agricultural community, with farming being the main economic activity. The county's fertile soil and favorable climate made it suitable for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and potatoes. Additionally, the county saw the emergence of several lumber mills, taking advantage of the abundant forests in the region.

The county experienced significant growth and development with the arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century. The railroad connected Caledonia County to other major cities and markets, facilitating the transportation of goods and boosting the local economy. This led to the establishment of new industries such as manufacturing, as well as an increase in population as more people were attracted to the area for employment opportunities.

Throughout its history, Caledonia County has also played a role in various historical events. It saw some involvement in the American Revolutionary War, as the area was strategically located near the Canadian border. Additionally, the county witnessed the rise of the granite industry in the late 19th century, which brought economic prosperity to the region. Today, Caledonia County continues to thrive as a diverse community with a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and other industries, while also preserving its rich history and natural beauty.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Caledonia County, Vermont.

  • The area that is now Caledonia County, VT is inhabited by indigenous peoples for thousands of years.
  • 1764 - The area is granted as a land patent by King George III of England.
  • 1792 - Caledonia County is officially established as a county in the state of Vermont.
  • 1802 - The town of Danville is incorporated, becoming the first town in Caledonia County.
  • 1850 - The county's population surpasses 20,000.
  • 1861-1865 - Many residents of Caledonia County serve in the American Civil War.
  • 1885 - The Fairbanks Scale & Foundry Company, a major employer, is founded in St. Johnsbury.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression brings economic hardship to Caledonia County.
  • 1954 - The Interstate 91 highway is completed, improving transportation in the county.
  • 1970s - Caledonia County sees an increase in tourism, with attractions such as ski resorts.
  • 2000 - The population of Caledonia County reaches over 31,000.