Historical Marker

The Civil War and the Ravines

Historical marker location:
1600 Twigg Street, Palatka, Florida
( Marker can be reached from Twigg Street east of South 18th Street, on the right when traveling east.)

1861-1865

  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.

During the Civil War, Florida was the third state to secede from the Union and join the Confederacy, after South Carolina and Mississippi.
Florida random facts
Putnam County, Florida is located in the northeastern part of the state, bordered by the St. Johns River to the west. The area that would become Putnam County was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Timucua and Seminole people. European settlers arrived in the area in the 18th century.

In 1774, British naturalist William Bartram explored the region, documenting the flora and fauna. However, it was not until 1821, when Florida became a United States territory, that organized settlement of Putnam County began. The county was officially established in 1849 and named after Benjamin A. Putnam, a soldier in the Seminole Wars.

In the late 19th century, Putnam County experienced a significant economic boom due to the growth of the citrus industry. The riverfront town of Palatka became a major center for citrus packaging and shipping. The industry played a crucial role in the county's economy until a series of hard freezes in the 1890s caused extensive damage to citrus groves, leading to a decline in production.

The early 20th century brought new opportunities to Putnam County with the arrival of the railroad, allowing for increased connectivity and trade. The town of Crescent City, located on the western edge of the county, became a popular destination for tourists seeking recreational activities on the lake. Today, Putnam County continues to maintain its ties to agriculture, with farming and forestry as important industries, while also embracing its natural beauty and history as a draw for visitors.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Putnam County, Florida.

  • 1832 - Putnam County is established and named after Benjamin A. Putnam, a soldier during the Second Seminole War
  • 1838 - The county seat is established in Palatka
  • 1860 - Putnam County's economy is primarily based on agriculture, including citrus farming and timber production
  • 1884 - The Ocklawaha River is dredged, opening up trade routes for the county
  • 1893 - Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway reaches Palatka, boosting economic development
  • 1908 - The construction of the Rodman Dam begins, creating the Rodman Reservoir
  • 1930s - The Great Depression severely affects Putnam County, leading to economic decline
  • 1968 - Hurricane Dora hits Putnam County, causing significant damage
  • 1971 - The completion of the Palatka-to-St. Augustine State Trail, now known as the Palatka-to-St. Augustine Rail Trail
  • 1998 - The completion of the new Palatka Memorial Bridge over St. Johns River