Historical Marker

Abingdon in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
208 W Main St, Abingdon, Virginia
( Marker is at the intersection of West Main Street (U.S. 11) and Cummings Street SW (Alternate U.S. 58), on the right when traveling east on West Main Street.)

Wyatt's Revenge. 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.

Virginia is home to the oldest continuously operating legislative body in the Western Hemisphere, the Virginia General Assembly, which was established in 1619.
Virginia random facts
Washington County, located in southwestern Virginia, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, such as the Cherokee and Shawnee tribes, who thrived off the land and riverways. In the late 17th century, European settlers, mainly of Scotch-Irish descent, began to arrive and establish small farms and trading posts in the area, paving the way for the county’s future.

The county was officially formed in 1776 and named after President George Washington, who was a renowned figure during the American Revolutionary War. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Washington County played a significant role in the growth and development of Virginia. It served as a key transportation hub, situated along the Great Wilderness Road, which was a major route for westward migration. The county's location along important trade routes and proximity to the Appalachian Mountains also made it a center for mining, timber, and agriculture.

During the Civil War, Washington County became a battleground for Confederate and Union forces. The Battle of Saltville, which occurred in 1864, was a significant conflict that took place in the county. The Confederate forces' victory there resulted in the establishment of Saltville as a vital salt production center for the Confederacy. However, as the war progressed, the county witnessed widespread destruction, with many buildings and farms being burned or damaged.

In the modern era, Washington County has continued to evolve. Particularly noteworthy is the region's growth in education and healthcare. The county is home to multiple institutions of higher learning, including Emory & Henry College and Virginia Highlands Community College. Additionally, the presence of healthcare facilities, such as Johnston Memorial Hospital, has made Washington County a regional healthcare hub. With a combination of history, natural beauty, and significant developments, Washington County remains a vibrant and pivotal part of Virginia's heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Washington County, Virginia.

  • 1769 - Washington County, VA is established
  • 1775 - The Indian Treaty of Long Island is signed
  • 1776 - Fort Caswell is built for defense during the Revolutionary War
  • 1780 - Abingdon, the county seat, is founded
  • 1861 - Virginia secedes from the Union during the Civil War
  • 1863 - Battle of Saltville takes place
  • 1868 - Emory and Henry College is founded
  • 1920 - Bristol's State Street is divided between Virginia and Tennessee
  • 1943 - The Holston Ordnance Works is established
  • 1957 - The Bristol Motor Speedway opens
  • 1961 - The Appalachian Trail is completed through Washington County
  • 1972 - The Barter Theatre is designated as Virginia's official state theater
  • 1985 - The William King Museum of Art is established in Abingdon
  • 1995 - The Virginia Creeper Trail is developed