Historical Marker

Davie County in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
Mocksville, North Carolina
( Marker is at the intersection of Clement Street and Water Street, on the right when traveling south on Clement Street.)

Stoneman in Mocksville. Stoneman's Raid

  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 was the site of the first gold rush in the United States, in the early 1800s. The town of Charlotte was named after Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the wife of King George III of England.
North Carolina random facts
Davie County, located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the 18th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Catawba and Yadkin, who were attracted to the region's fertile lands and abundance of wildlife.

The county was officially established in 1836 and named after William R. Davie, a Revolutionary War hero and the founder of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In the early years, agriculture played a crucial role in Davie County's economy, with crops such as tobacco, corn, cotton, and wheat being major commodities. The area also became known for its thriving livestock industry.

During the Civil War, Davie County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents fighting for the Confederacy and others remaining loyal to the Union. The area saw battles and skirmishes, including the Battle of Shallow Ford in 1863. After the war, Davie County faced challenges of economic reconstruction, but gradually rebounded with the growth of the tobacco industry and the development of railroads, which facilitated trade and transportation.

In the 20th century, Davie County saw continued advancements in agriculture and industry. The introduction of modern farming techniques and the establishment of poultry and dairy farms helped to diversify the economy. Additionally, textile and furniture manufacturing became prominent industries in the county. In recent years, Davie County has embraced new economic opportunities, including the growth of education and healthcare sectors, as well as the development of tourism and recreational activities centered around its natural beauty and historic landmarks.

Today, Davie County remains a vibrant and inclusive community, proud of its agricultural heritage and committed to preserving its historical assets. With a mix of rural landscapes, small towns, and urban development, the county offers a high quality of life and opportunities for both residents and visitors to enjoy its unique blend of history and modernity.

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

  • 1753 - Davie County is formed from Rowan County, named in honor of William R. Davie, a soldier and statesman.
  • 1756 - The county's first courthouse is established.
  • 1802 - The town of Mocksville is established as the county seat.
  • 1840 - The population of Davie County reaches 6,728.
  • 1850 - The Mocksville Female Academy, the county's first home of education, is established.
  • 1861-1865 - Davie County suffers during the Civil War, with many of its young men serving in the Confederate Army.
  • 1890 - The county's first high school is established.
  • 1895 - The first rural free delivery mail route in North Carolina is established in Davie County.
  • 1924 - The county's first hospital, Mocksville General Hospital, is built.
  • 1963 - The first public library, Davie County Public Library, is established in Mocksville.
  • 1970 - The population of Davie County reaches 23,347.
  • 1989 - The town of Bermuda Run is incorporated.
  • 2002 - The Davie County Economic Development Commission is established to promote and attract businesses to the area.