Historical Marker

Northfield Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Northfield, Vermont
( Memorial is at the intersection of Depot Square and Wall Street, in the median on Depot Square.)
Marker installed: 1885

  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.

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.
Vermont random facts
Washington County, Vermont has a rich history dating back to the early 18th century. The county, located in the central part of the state, was established on October 20, 1810, and was named after George Washington, the first President of the United States. Prior to European settlement, the area was occupied by various indigenous tribes, primarily the Abenaki people.

In the late 1700s, settlers from Massachusetts and Connecticut began to move into the region, attracted by its fertile land and abundant natural resources. The first town in Washington County, Montpelier, was settled in 1787 and would later become the state capital. Other towns in the county, such as Barre, Waterbury, and Northfield, were established in the early 19th century and played important roles in the county's development.

One of the key events in Washington County's history was the establishment of granite quarries in Barre in the late 19th century. The high-quality granite found in the area helped fuel the growth of the local economy and contributed to the county's reputation as a major supplier of granite for buildings and monuments across the United States.

Throughout its history, Washington County has been influenced by various social and political movements. The county played a significant role in the abolitionist movement during the mid-19th century, with many residents actively supporting the cause of ending slavery. Additionally, during the 20th century, the county saw political changes and advancements in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Today, Washington County continues to thrive as a diverse and vibrant region. Its rich history, scenic landscapes, and cultural heritage make it an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike. The county's commitment to preserving its historical sites and promoting economic growth ensures that its legacy will continue to be cherished for generations to come.

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

  • 1781: Washington County is created by the Vermont General Assembly.
  • 1787: Montpelier is chosen as the county seat.
  • 1804: The Vermont State House is constructed in Montpelier.
  • 1813: Arguably the first ski club in the United States is formed in Warren.
  • 1831: Norwich University, the oldest private military college in the country, is founded in Northfield.
  • 1849: The Vermont Central Railroad reaches Montpelier, connecting the county to a wider rail network.
  • 1883: The Green Mountain Club is formed in Waterbury, promoting the development and maintenance of the Long Trail.
  • 1944: The Barre Granite Strike begins, resulting in a significant labor dispute in the granite industry.
  • 1951: The Interstate Highway System is established, eventually leading to the construction of Interstate 89 through the county.
  • 1993: The Vermont State Hospital in Berlin closes, leading to the relocation of its services and patients.