Historical Marker

Civil War Observation Balloon Site

Historical marker location:
Falmouth, Virginia
( Marker is on Ridge Point Lane just east of North Point Drive.)
Marker installed: 2014

  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 first slave ship to arrive in the American colonies landed in Virginia in 1619. Virginia became a center of the transatlantic slave trade, and by 1860, Virginia had the largest population of enslaved people in the United States.
Virginia random facts
Stafford County, located in Virginia, has a rich history dating back to the early colonial period. It was settled by English colonists in the 17th century and was an important center for tobacco cultivation, contributing significantly to the economy of colonial Virginia. The county was named after the English County of Staffordshire, from where many of the early settlers hailed.

During the Revolutionary War, Stafford County played a vital role in providing troops and supplies to the Continental Army. Local militias were formed, and several key figures emerged, including George Washington, who spent time in Stafford and owned a plantation there called Ferry Farm. The county also witnessed the Battle of Aquia Creek, where American forces defended against British incursions.

In the mid-19th century, Stafford County experienced considerable growth and development. The construction of the Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Potomac Railroad in the 1830s brought increased transportation options, boosting trade and allowing farmers to easily transport their goods to market. The county saw the rise of numerous industries, including millworks, ironworks, and quarries, which further spurred economic prosperity.

Stafford County also played a significant role during the American Civil War. It lay on the path of several major military campaigns, including the Battle of Fredericksburg in 1862. The county witnessed the devastating impact of war, with many battles fought on its soil and numerous casualties suffered. Today, Stafford County is a growing suburban community with a diverse population and a mix of historic landmarks, cultural sites, and natural beauty, making it an attractive place to live and visit.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Stafford County, Virginia.

  • 1608: Captain John Smith explores the region that would become Stafford County.
  • 1664: Stafford County is formed from Westmoreland County.
  • 1673: The county seat is established at Stafford Court House.
  • 1704: St. Paul's Church is built, becoming one of the oldest churches in the United States.
  • 1732: George Washington is born at his family's plantation in Stafford County.
  • 1862: The Battle of Aquia Creek takes place during the American Civil War.
  • 1937: Government Island, a source of Aquia sandstone used in many historic buildings, becomes a national monument.
  • 1996: Stafford Regional Airport opens to the public.