Historical Marker

Lexington in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
Lexington, North Carolina
( Marker is on E Center Street, on the right when traveling east.)

Occupation and Fire

  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.

In the 1960s, North Carolina was a center of the civil rights movement, with Greensboro being the site of the first sit-in protests in the country.
North Carolina random facts
Davidson County, located in the central part of North Carolina, has a rich history that dates back to the early 18th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Saura and Catawba, who relied on the region's fertile land and abundant wildlife for their livelihoods. European settlers arrived in the mid-1700s and established the first permanent settlement, known as the "Moravian Square" near present-day Winston-Salem.

During the American Revolutionary War, Davidson County played a significant role as a hotbed of patriotic activity. Many local residents joined the Continental Army, and several notable conflict engagements occurred within its boundaries. After the war, the region experienced an influx of immigrants, including German, Scots-Irish, and English settlers, who brought their traditions and agricultural practices to the area.

By the 19th century, Davidson County had become a thriving agricultural community, with tobacco as the primary cash crop. The county continued to grow and prosper, aided by the arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s. This provided a crucial link to other markets and allowed for the establishment of new industries, such as textiles and furniture manufacturing.

In the 20th century, Davidson County faced challenges brought on by the Great Depression and the decline of traditional industries. However, it adapted and diversified its economy, attracting new businesses and industries. Today, Davidson County is known for its manufacturing sector, including textiles, furniture, and transportation equipment. Agriculture, particularly poultry and livestock farming, also remains significant in the county.

Overall, Davidson County has a rich heritage rooted in Native American culture, early European settlement, and the growth of various industries. Its ability to adapt to changing economic conditions while preserving its historical and cultural legacy has cemented its place as a vibrant community in North Carolina.

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

  • 1748 - The area that would later become Davidson County is first settled by European colonizers.
  • 1783 - Davidson County is officially formed and named in honor of Revolutionary War General William Lee Davidson.
  • 1849 - The town of Lexington is incorporated in Davidson County, becoming the county seat.
  • 1861-1865 - Davidson County is heavily involved in the American Civil War, with many residents serving in the Confederate Army.
  • 1890s - The railroad reaches Davidson County, leading to economic growth and development in the region.
  • 1920s - The tobacco industry becomes a major economic driver in Davidson County, with many tobacco warehouses and processing plants established.
  • 1942-1946 - Davidson County experiences significant growth and industrialization during World War II, with the establishment of Camp Davis and the construction of High Rock Lake.
  • 1950s-1960s - The furniture industry becomes a major industry in Davidson County, leading to an economic boom.
  • 1980s-1990s - Economic changes lead to a decline in the furniture industry, but new industries such as healthcare and logistics help stabilize the local economy.
  • Present - Davidson County remains a vibrant community with a diverse economy and a rich historical heritage.