Historical Marker

Union Civil War Encampment in Scottsboro

Historical marker location:
Scottsboro, Alabama
( Marker is at the intersection of East Maple Avenue and North Houston Street, on the right when traveling east on East Maple Avenue.)
Marker installed: 2013

  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.

The Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley, which was the first submarine to sink an enemy ship in combat, was built in Mobile, Alabama in 1863.
Alabama random facts
Jackson County, Alabama has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Creek nations. European settlers began arriving in the late 1700s, leading to conflict with the indigenous people.

In the early 1800s, Jackson County was established and named after Andrew Jackson, a prominent figure in the War of 1812. The county played a significant role during the Civil War, serving as a strategic location for both Union and Confederate forces. It witnessed several battles, including the Battle of Bridgeport and the Battle of Higdon's Hill.

After the war, Jackson County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad and the discovery of coal and iron ore deposits spurred economic prosperity. The county became an important center for the coal and steel industries, attracting new residents and businesses.

In the 20th century, Jackson County continued to evolve. The construction of highways and infrastructure improved transportation and connectivity within the county. The development of hydroelectric power at the Tennessee River's Guntersville Dam provided a new source of energy for the region. Today, Jackson County is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Jackson County, Alabama.

  • 1819 - Jackson County established as one of the counties of the Alabama Territory
  • 1830 - The town of Bellefonte becomes the county seat
  • 1850 - Stevenson becomes the new county seat
  • 1861-1865 - Jackson County heavily affected by the American Civil War
  • 1873 - The town of Scottsboro is incorporated
  • 1930 - Scottsboro becomes the county seat
  • 1931 - The infamous Scottsboro Boys case draws national attention to the county
  • 1964 - Lake Guntersville is created by the Tennessee Valley Authority, providing a major recreation area for residents
  • 2010 - Jackson County experiences significant population growth and economic development