Historical Marker

Civil War Romance

Historical marker location:
Oceana, West Virginia
( Marker is on Route 10, 1.4 miles Route 85, on the right when traveling west.)

Thompson and Martilia Walker

  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 West Virginia State Penitentiary in Moundsville, West Virginia, operated from 1866 to 1995, and was known for its harsh conditions and numerous executions. The prison is now a tourist attraction and offers tours of the facility.
West Virginia random facts
Wyoming County, located in the southern region of West Virginia, boasts a rich history that dates back to before the American Civil War. The area was first settled by European colonists in the late 1700s, primarily by those in search of new opportunities in agriculture and coal mining. The county's name was derived from the Delaware word "Maughwauwaume," which translates to "large plains" or "extensive meadows," aptly describing the natural beauty of the landscape.

In the late 1800s, the discovery of coal in Wyoming County led to a significant population increase and rapid industrialization. The coal mining industry became the backbone of the local economy, attracting workers from all over the country and giving rise to numerous mining towns. This economic boom brought unprecedented prosperity to the region, but it also led to labor disputes and workplace hazards that would later shape the county's history.

During the early 20th century, Wyoming County experienced several mining disasters that left a lasting impact on the community. Tragic events such as the Eccles Mine Explosion in 1914 and the Hawks Nest Tunnel disaster in 1930 claimed the lives of hundreds of miners and highlighted the need for improved safety regulations. These incidents sparked labor activism and led to the establishment of better working conditions for miners.

In recent years, Wyoming County has faced economic challenges as the coal mining industry has declined. Efforts have been made to diversify the local economy, focusing on tourism, agriculture, and small-scale industries. The county's rich heritage and stunning natural landscapes have become attractions for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Today, Wyoming County stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of its community, as it works towards a brighter future while honoring its past.

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

  • 1788: Wyoming County is established as part of Virginia.
  • 1793: The first permanent settlement is established in what is now Wyoming County.
  • 1850: Wyoming County becomes part of the new state of West Virginia.
  • 1863: The Civil War Battle of Wyoming takes place in Wyoming County.
  • 1880s: The area experiences a coal boom, leading to rapid population growth.
  • 1907: The town of Pineville is incorporated.
  • 1920s: The coal industry continues to flourish, bringing economic prosperity to the county.
  • 1950s: Wyoming County experiences a decline in coal production, leading to economic challenges.
  • 1963: The Hatfield-McCoy Feud, a famous family feud, ends in Wyoming County.
  • 1989: The Upper Big Branch mine disaster, one of the worst mining disasters in US history, occurs in Wyoming County.
  • 2015: Wyoming County becomes the center of attention as its struggling economy becomes a focal point in political discussions.