Historical Marker

Cleveland County Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
Shelby, North Carolina
( Marker is on Lafayette Street, 0.1 miles south of East Marion Street, on the left when traveling south.)
Marker installed: 1906

  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.

North Carolina has a rich African-American history, including the establishment of the first free black community in the United States, known as the Roanoke Island Freedmen's Colony, during the Civil War.
North Carolina random facts
Cleveland County, located in the western part of North Carolina, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Catawba and Cherokee peoples. European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, with the county officially established in 1841.

In the early years, agriculture played a crucial role in the county's economy. The fertile soil and mild climate made it ideal for farming, leading to the growth of successful cotton and tobacco plantations. As the demand for these crops increased, so did the need for labor, resulting in the expansion of enslaved African American populations in the region.

During the American Civil War, Cleveland County experienced significant turmoil as it was situated in the border state of North Carolina. The county was at times occupied by both Union and Confederate forces, leading to destruction and constant insecurity for residents.

After the war, Cleveland County began to develop industries beyond agriculture. Textile mills, powered by the Broad River, emerged as major employers, drawing many workers from the rural areas. The cotton mills, along with the rise of the railroad, brought newfound economic opportunities and spurred the county's growth through the early 20th century.

Today, Cleveland County continues to be a thriving community with a mix of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The county is known for its dedication to preserving its history, with several museums and historic sites showcasing its rich heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Cleveland County, North Carolina.

  • 1762: Cleveland County is formed from portions of Lincoln County.
  • 1774: The Tryon Courthouse is established as the county seat.
  • 1841: The town of Shelby is founded and becomes the new county seat.
  • 1861-1865: Cleveland County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
  • 1884: The Carolina and Northwestern Railway is completed, enhancing transportation in the county.
  • 1929: The Great Depression hits Cleveland County, leading to economic struggles for the area.
  • 1941-1945: Many Cleveland County residents serve in World War II.
  • 1951: Cleveland County Technical College opens, later evolving into Cleveland Community College.
  • 1976: The Shelby Historic District is established, preserving the city's historic architecture.
  • 1991: The Earl Scruggs Center, honoring the renowned banjo player, is opened in Shelby.
  • 2019: Cleveland County celebrates its 257th anniversary since its formation.