Historical Marker

Garrett County Civil War Veterans

Historical marker location:
Oakland, Maryland
( Memorial is at the intersection of East Oak Street (U.S. 219) and South 3rd Street, on the left when traveling east on East Oak Street.)
Marker installed: 2015

  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.

Maryland was a border state during the Civil War: During the Civil War, Maryland was a border state that remained in the Union but had many sympathizers with the Confederacy. The state was strategically important because it was located between Washington D.C. and the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia.
Maryland random facts
Garrett County, located in the westernmost part of Maryland, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The earliest inhabitants of the region were the Native American tribes, particularly the Susquehannock and Shawnee tribes, who relied on the area's abundant natural resources for their livelihood.

European settlement began in the late 1700s, with German and Scottish-Irish immigrants establishing small farming communities. However, it was the discovery of vast natural resources that truly shaped Garrett County's development. In the early 1800s, the region became known for its timber, which fueled the growth of logging and sawmill industries. Soon after, coal was discovered, leading to the establishment of several coal mining towns in the area.

The completion of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in the 1850s further spurred economic growth in Garrett County, as it provided a means of transporting timber, coal, and other goods to markets in Baltimore and beyond. The county's economy continued to thrive throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fueled by the extraction of natural resources and the emergence of tourism, thanks to its picturesque landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities.

In recent decades, Garrett County has undergone significant changes. The decline of the coal industry and a shift towards a more service-based economy have impacted the area. However, the county's natural beauty remains a prominent asset, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts who partake in activities like fishing, hiking, skiing, and boating. Garrett County also values its agricultural heritage, with many farmers working to preserve traditional methods and promote locally produced goods.

Overall, Garrett County's history is characterized by the interplay between its natural resources, the development of industries, and its enduring appeal as a destination for those seeking the tranquility of its scenic landscapes.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Garrett County, Maryland.

  • 1765 - Garrett County was established as a part of Allegany County.
  • 1789 - The recorded establishment of an early settlement in the area.
  • 1837 - The area was officially recognized as Allegheny County.
  • 1872 - The county was established and named after John Work Garrett, then president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
  • 1876 - The construction of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was completed in the county.
  • 1900s - The county experienced growth and development in timber, coal, and tourism industries.
  • 1925 - Deep Creek Lake was created with the completion of a hydroelectric project.
  • 1938 - The state park system acquired land in the county for the development of Deep Creek Lake State Park.
  • 1950s - Ski resorts started to develop in the county.
  • 1978 - Savage River State Forest, the largest forest in Maryland, was established in Garrett County.