Historical Marker

The Civil War Comes to St. Marys

Historical marker location:
101 Bartlett St, St. Marys, Georgia
( Marker can be reached from the intersection of Bartlett Street and St Marys Street West, on the left when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 2016

St. Marys History Walk

  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.

Georgia played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, with many key events taking place in the state. The Albany Movement, the March on Washington, and the Selma to Montgomery March all had ties to Georgia.
Georgia random facts
Camden County, located in southeastern Georgia, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally home to indigenous tribes, including the Timucua and Creek, who relied on the abundance of natural resources, such as the abundant fish and game in the nearby Atlantic Ocean and rivers. European exploration and colonization began in the 16th century when Spanish explorers arrived in the area, followed by English settlers in the 17th century.

During the American Revolution, Camden County played a significant role as a strategic military location. The county was the site of the Battle of Kingsland Creek in 1777, in which American patriots successfully repelled a British raiding party. The county also served as a haven for privateers, who conducted raids on British shipping during the war.

In the early 19th century, Camden County became a major center for timber and shipbuilding industries due to its proximity to vast pine forests and rivers. The county's economy thrived, and several cities and towns, including St. Marys and Kingsland, were established to support these industries. The construction of the railroad in the mid-19th century further boosted the county's economic growth.

In the 20th century, Camden County's economy shifted from timber and shipbuilding to naval and military operations with the establishment of Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. The base, which is still operational today, became a major employer and contributed significantly to the local economy. Camden County continues to grow and evolve, with a mix of industries, including tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, supporting the thriving community.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Camden County, Georgia.

  • 1763: Camden County is established, named after Charles Pratt, 1st Earl of Camden.
  • 1777: The county becomes part of the newly formed state of Georgia.
  • 1783: The Treaty of Paris ends the American Revolutionary War, and Camden County is ceded to the United States.
  • 1793: The county seat is established in St. Marys.
  • 1802: The city of Woodbine is laid out and becomes a major port and trading center.
  • 1828: The Georgia General Assembly designates a portion of Camden County as a naval reservation, later becoming the Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base.
  • 1861: The American Civil War begins, and Camden County is heavily impacted due to its proximity to the coast.
  • 1933: The Great Depression leads to significant economic hardships in Camden County.
  • 1979: The Cumberland Island National Seashore is established, preserving a significant portion of the county's coastline.
  • 1995: The Jekyll Island Causeway is completed, providing a direct connection to Jekyll Island and increasing tourism in the area.
  • 2010: The county experiences population growth and economic development, attracting new businesses and residents.