Historical Marker

Civil War Soldiers Buried in the Warrenton Cemetery

Historical marker location:
110 Leeds Ct W, Warrenton, Virginia
( Memorial is on South Chestnut Street, 0.1 miles south of West Lee Street, on the left when traveling south.)

  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.

Jamestown, Virginia, was the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. It was founded in 1607 and served as the capital of Virginia until 1699.
Virginia random facts
Fauquier County, located in the Piedmont region of Virginia, has a rich and diverse history that spans over three centuries. Named after Francis Fauquier, the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia from 1758 to 1768, the county was officially established in 1759. However, it was inhabited long before by Native American tribes such as the Manahoac and Iroquois.

During the American Revolutionary War, Fauquier County played a significant role as a transportation hub and supply center for the Continental Army. The Battle of Thoroughfare Gap in 1862, which occurred during the American Civil War, took place within the county's borders. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Fauquier County's economy shifted from agriculture to commercial activities as the arrival of the railroad allowed the area to connect to wider markets.

Today, Fauquier County boasts a thriving rural community and a vibrant historic district. The county's agricultural heritage is still visible, with numerous farms and vineyards dotting the landscape. Fauquier County is also home to several significant historic sites, including the Old Jail Museum and the Sky Meadows State Park, which offer visitors a glimpse into the county's past.

Overall, Fauquier County's history is characterized by its agricultural roots, its involvement in pivotal events during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and its subsequent transition into a modern and diverse community. Through the years, the county has maintained a strong sense of heritage, attracting both residents and visitors alike to explore its fascinating past.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Fauquier County, Virginia.

  • 1759: Fauquier County is established, named after Francis Fauquier, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.
  • 1775: Fauquier County residents participate in the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1791: The Town of Warrenton is established as the county seat.
  • 1812: Fauquier County residents serve in the War of 1812.
  • 1861-1865: Fauquier County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War, with both Union and Confederate forces occupying the area at different times.
  • 1870s: Railroads reach Fauquier County, boosting economic growth.
  • 1898: Fauquier County experiences a small gold rush.
  • 20th century: Fauquier County becomes increasingly suburbanized, with significant population growth and development.
  • 2007: The National Sporting Library and Museum opens in Middleburg, highlighting the region's equestrian heritage.