Randolph Vesey
Historical marker location:(1832-1908) Respected Negro citizen and homeowner. Champion pioneer fiddler, popular at Forts Belknap, Griffin and Richardson and over county. Once when he was an Indian captive, held in Kansas, Texans sent ponies to ransom him. He is buried in Oaklawn, Decatur. Born in Georgia. He served during the Civil War as body servant and voluntary battle aide to General W. L. Cabell of the Confederate army. Vesey's courage and loyalty were typical. Hundreds of slaves went to war with masters. Many operated farms and ranches of soldiers away at war, producing cotton and food for the Confederacy. Others did work for hire, with wages supporting the master's family. On patrol duty they protected homes from Indians, bandits, outlaws. During War years, 1861-1865, some 30,000 to 50,000 Negros - free and slaves - aided Confederate armies. They served with the Nitre and Mining Bureau and departments of medicine, engineers, quartermaster general, ordnance and commissary general. They built fortifications on coasts from Brownsville, Texas, to Norfolk, Virginia, and at inland points. Many were army teamsters, wheelwrights, blacksmiths, butchers, shoemakers, cooks, and nurses. Texas and other states later provided land grants and pensions for many. (1965)
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.
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
In the early years, Wise County was primarily used for ranching and farming due to its fertile soil and abundant water supply. The arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver Railway in the late 1800s brought increased opportunities for trade and commerce, spurring economic growth in the region.
During the Civil War, Wise County remained divided between Unionists and Confederates, leading to some conflict within the county. After the war, the discovery of coal deposits in the area led to the establishment of coal mining towns, including Newark and Rhome. These towns ushered in a new era of industrialization and attracted more settlers to the county in search of employment.
In the early 20th century, Wise County experienced a decline in coal mining due to competition from other energy sources. However, the discovery of oil in the 1920s sparked a new economic boom. Today, Wise County remains a hub for oil and gas production, contributing significantly to the local economy. It also boasts a diverse agricultural industry and has become a popular destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and hiking.
Wise County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Wise County, Texas.
- 1856 - Wise County is established and named after Virginia Governor Henry A. Wise.
- 1860 - The first post office, called Taylorsville, is established in the county.
- 1867 - The county's first courthouse is built in Decatur, the county seat.
- 1873 - The Wise County Old Settlers Association is founded to preserve the county's history.
- 1882 - The Wise County Messenger, the county's oldest newspaper, is established.
- 1883 - The Fort Worth and Denver City Railway is completed, connecting Wise County to major cities.
- 1905 - The county's second courthouse, a grand Neoclassical building, is completed.
- 1920 - The oil boom hits Wise County, leading to increased drilling and economic growth.
- 1927 - The county's third courthouse, a Modern Classical structure, is completed.
- 1969 - Lake Bridgeport, a reservoir, is completed, providing water recreation opportunities.
- 2000 - The population of Wise County reaches over 48,000 people.
- 2015 - The Wise County Heritage Museum is established to showcase the county's history.