Historical Marker

Statesville in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
Statesville, North Carolina
( Marker is on Center Street, on the left when traveling south.)

The Raiders Soon Departed. 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.

The state's official bird, the cardinal, is also the state bird of six other states.
North Carolina random facts
Iredell County, located in the heart of North Carolina, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 1700s. The county was named after James Iredell, a prominent jurist and one of the original justices of the United States Supreme Court. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Catawba and Cherokee, European settlers began arriving in the area in the mid-1700s.

The county's first permanent settlement was established in 1753 at what is now known as Statesville. Attracted by the fertile land and access to trade routes, more settlers soon followed, leading to the County's formal establishment in 1788. Iredell County played a significant role during the American Revolutionary War as it became a key transportation hub and supply center for troops.

In the 19th century, Iredell County experienced a period of rapid growth and development. The railroad, which reached the county in the mid-1850s, brought new economic opportunities and helped connect the area to larger markets. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the region's primary industry, with numerous plantations dotting the landscape.

By the late 1800s and early 1900s, Iredell County had transitioned into a more industrialized economy. Textile mills emerged as the dominant industry, attracting workers from rural areas and contributing to the county's population growth. The textile industry thrived until the mid-20th century when it began to decline due to changing economic circumstances.

Today, Iredell County is a dynamic community known for its blend of historical charm and modern amenities. It continues to grow and diversify, attracting new businesses and residents while preserving its rich history. The county's historical sites, including the Fort Dobbs State Historic Site and downtown Statesville's historic district, serve as reminders of the area's vibrant past and are popular attractions for visitors and locals alike.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Iredell County, North Carolina.

  • 1788 - The area that is now Iredell County is first settled by European pioneers.
  • 1789 - Iredell County is formed from part of Rowan County, with Statesville established as its county seat.
  • 1792 - Davie County is formed from parts of Rowan and Iredell Counties.
  • 1800 - Alexander County is created from parts of Iredell County.
  • 1813 - Catawba County is established, taking portions of Lincoln and Iredell Counties.
  • 1822 - The town of Mooresville is incorporated in Iredell County.
  • 1849 - Iredell County's Courthouse is burned down by a fire.
  • 1850 - The town of Troutman is founded in Iredell County.
  • 1865 - The American Civil War ends, and Iredell County begins to rebuild.
  • 1875 - Mitchell Community College is established in Statesville, providing educational opportunities.
  • 1891 - Lake Norman is formed after the completion of the Cowans Ford Dam.
  • 1927 - Interstate Highway 77 opens, improving transportation access to Iredell County.
  • 1939 - Fort Dobbs State Historic Site is opened to commemorate the French and Indian War.
  • 1990 - The population of Iredell County surpasses 100,000 residents.
  • 2004 - The NASCAR Hall of Fame in Mooresville opens, attracting visitors and boosting tourism.
  • 2016 - The Iredell-Statesville School District celebrates its 125th anniversary.