Historical Marker

Civil War Site

Historical marker location:
215 Main Street, Beckley, West Virginia
( Marker is on Main Street, on the left when traveling east.)

  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 New River Gorge Bridge, located in Fayetteville, West Virginia, is the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. It was completed in 1977 and spans 3,030 feet across the New River Gorge.
West Virginia random facts
Raleigh County, located in West Virginia, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Shawnee. European settlers began to arrive in the late 1700s and early 1800s, establishing small communities and farms.

In 1850, Raleigh County was officially formed from portions of Fayette County. The county was named after Sir Walter Raleigh, an English explorer and writer. The county quickly became known for its coal mining industry, which brought significant economic growth and population increase. Coal was discovered in the region in the late 1800s, leading to the establishment of numerous mines.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Raleigh County experienced a boom in coal production. The county's coal mines attracted many workers from different parts of the country, leading to cultural diversity and growth in the local communities. However, the coal mining industry also faced challenges, including labor strikes and safety concerns.

In the present day, Raleigh County continues to be an important center for the coal mining industry in West Virginia. The county is also known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the New River Gorge National River and the Appalachian Mountains. The county's history and natural resources continue to shape its identity, attracting visitors and providing opportunities for economic development.

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

  • 1777 - Raleigh County was formed from parts of Fayette County and named after Sir Walter Raleigh, an English explorer.
  • 1833 - The county seat was established in the town of Beckley.
  • 1861-1865 - Raleigh County residents served in the American Civil War, with some fighting for the Union and others for the Confederacy.
  • 1873 - The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway was completed through Raleigh County, improving transportation and encouraging economic growth.
  • 1895 - The city of Beckley was officially incorporated.
  • 1921 - The Raleigh County Courthouse was constructed in Beckley, replacing the original county courthouse.
  • 1963 - The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine opened, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's coal mining history.
  • 2003 - The Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center opened, attracting events and conferences to the area.