Historical Marker

St. Albans Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
St. Albans, Vermont
( Memorial is at the intersection of S Main Street (U.S. 7) and Lake Street, on the right on S Main Street.)
Marker installed: 1940

  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 home to the first American-born saint: Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, who was born in New York City in 1774, spent time living in the town of Emmitsburg, Vermont. She later became the first American-born saint in the Roman Catholic Church.
Vermont random facts
Franklin County is located in northwestern Vermont and has a rich history dating back centuries. The region was originally occupied by the indigenous Abenaki people, who hunted, fished, and farmed in the area. European settlement began in the 18th century when French and English fur traders arrived, followed by British and American settlers.

During the American Revolutionary War, the area played a significant role. The Battle of Missisquoi in 1776 was fought on the county's southwestern border, as American forces tried to prevent British control of Lake Champlain. This battle was part of the broader campaign to secure the region and prevent a British invasion from Canada.

The county's economy flourished in the 19th century. Agriculture, particularly dairy farming, became a dominant industry. The introduction of the railroad in the mid-1800s further stimulated economic growth. The county became known for its cheese production, with some Franklin County cheeses winning international awards.

Franklin County also witnessed the rise of the temperance and abolitionist movements in the 19th century. The county was home to Jonathan B. Turner, a prominent abolitionist, and the Congregational Church and Methodists provided strong support for the anti-slavery and temperance causes. The county played a role in the Underground Railroad, providing refuge for escaping slaves.

Today, Franklin County is a vibrant area with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and commercial activities. It continues to be known for its dairy farming and cheese production. The county is also home to numerous recreational opportunities, including Lake Champlain, the Missisquoi River, and several state parks. With its rich history and natural beauty, Franklin County remains a significant part of Vermont's heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Franklin County, Vermont.

  • 1781: Franklin County established as one of Vermont's fourteen counties
  • 1791: Vermont admitted to the Union as the 14th U.S. state
  • 1804: St. Albans town incorporated
  • 1816: Enosburg town incorporated
  • 1822: Fairfax town incorporated
  • 1825: Franklin County Grammar School established in St. Albans
  • 1837: Franklin County Agricultural Society organized
  • 1864: Swanton town incorporated
  • 1885: Missisquoi Railroad opens, connecting St. Albans to Montreal
  • 1924: Richford village incorporated
  • 1942: Grand Isle County separates from Franklin County
  • 1973: Franklin County Industrial Development Corporation incorporated