The 34 Star Flag .    1861-1863

As we raise our new flag in this year of 1861, Franklin is at war. The first soldiers from our town won't leave until next year, but the conflict with the South is on everyone's mind. This flag has a new star for Kansas and it will wave over the Northern half of our nation for the next two years.

 and in the State of Maine         or in Franklin    

In 1861 - 1863 in the United States and the world:

WEBMASTER'S NOTE:  This web site is not about the Civil War. I'll include significant events, but I'll try not to let the immensity of the war eclipse other notable achievements, such as the discovery of tapioca, etc. There are zillions of web sites out there focusing on the Civil War. I'm sure you don't need my guidance to find them. Sincerely, Webmaster.

•   Abraham Lincoln is President of the Union.
•   Jefferson Davis is President of the Confederacy .

•  1861
• Prince Albert dies at 42.Unfortunately, most Americans only know him because of this stupid joke .
  

•  1862
• First naval combat between ironclad ships - John Ericsson 's  USS Monitor vs. CSS Virginia .
• Victor Hugo writes "Les Miserables". Haven't had enough, yet? Click here (if you dare).
  
• Gatling invents the Gatling Gun.
• Otto von Bismarck becomes Prime Minister of Prussia.
• Ingres spices things up with his painting "Bain Turque". Click image for naked women.
  
• Civil War battles of   Shiloh , 2nd Bull Run , Antietam , and Fredericksburg .
  


•  1863
• West By God Virginia joins the Union.
  
• Lincoln issues Emancipation Proclamation .
• The French capture Mexico City and declare Archduke Maximillian of Austria Emperor.
• UMASS Amherst founded.
• Ebenezer Butterick develops first paper dress patterns.
• Construction of the London Underground begins.
• First U. S. Conscription Act.
• Civil War battles of  Chancellorsville, Vicksburg , and Gettysburg .
  

• Israel Washburn, Jr. is Governor.
• 1862 - The Maine Central Railroad is established.
• 1863 - Joshua L. Chamberlain and the 20th Maine at the Battle of Gettysburg .
               webmaster's note: I'd like a better link than this. Got one? contact me

And in the Town of Franklin:

•  1862
• Selectmen are William H. Card, Justine Scammon (first woman?), and S. P. Donnell.
• Special Town Meeting raises $550 for the first 11 volunteeers.
• Laurel, 92 ton schooner is launched.
  
•  1863
• Selectmen are William H. Card, Joseph H. West, and William D. Moore.
• The Franklin Land, Mill, and Water Company is incorporated.
• Conscription begins. At the regular Town Meeting, $600 is raised for the families of soldiers.
• A Dog Tax of $1.00 per dog is established.
• J. W Foster is elected Recruiting Officer.