Historical Marker

Civil War Skirmish at The Barton Cemetery / Civil War Skirmishes at Barton

Historical marker location:
Barton, Alabama
( Marker is at the intersection of Old Lee Highway (County Road 20) and Garner Lane, on the right when traveling west on Old Lee Highway.)
Marker installed: 1997

  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 city of Mobile, Alabama is home to the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States. The first Mardi Gras parade in Mobile took place in 1703, just one year after the city was founded by the French.
Alabama random facts
Colbert County is a county located in the northwestern part of the state of Alabama, United States. It was established on February 6, 1867, and named after two prominent brothers, George and Levi Colbert, who were Chickasaw Indian chiefs. The county was formed from parts of Franklin and Lauderdale counties and was originally part of the Cherokee and Chickasaw nations.

The area that is now Colbert County has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Chickasaw inhabited the region long before the arrival of European settlers. In the 19th century, European settlers began to arrive, establishing towns and communities along the Tennessee River.

One of the most significant events in Colbert County's history was the establishment of the city of Tuscumbia, which was incorporated in 1820. Tuscumbia became an important center of commerce and industry in the region, thanks in part to its strategic location on the Tennessee River. It was also the birthplace of Helen Keller, the renowned author and activist.

During the Civil War, Colbert County was a hotspot of activity due to its proximity to the Tennessee River and its strategic importance for transportation and communication. The area saw multiple battles, including the Battle of Sheffield in 1862. Following the war, the county began to rebuild and diversify its economy, focusing on industries such as mining, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Today, Colbert County remains an important part of Alabama's history and economy. It is known for its natural beauty, with the Tennessee River providing ample recreational opportunities. The county is also home to numerous historical sites, including the Helen Keller Birthplace and the Belle Mont Mansion, which showcase the area's rich past.

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

  • 1818 - Colbert County is created by the Alabama legislature, named after brothers George and Levi Colbert who were prominent Chickasaw Indian chiefs
  • 1820s - European settlers begin to establish communities in the county
  • 1833 - Tuscumbia, the county seat, is incorporated as a town
  • 1850s - Construction of railroads in the county connecting Tuscumbia with other cities and states stimulates economic growth
  • 1861-1865 - Colbert County residents actively participate in the American Civil War
  • 1874 - Tuscumbia becomes a city
  • 1891 - The Tennessee Valley Railroad connects Sheffield, a city in Colbert County, with other parts of Alabama
  • Late 19th century - The county experiences industrial growth with the development of textile mills and iron furnaces
  • 20th century - Manufacturing and industrial sectors continue to drive the county's economy
  • 1968 - The Tennessee Valley Authority completes construction of Wilson Dam on the Tennessee River, providing jobs and electricity to the area
  • Present - Colbert County remains a vital part of Alabama's economic landscape, known for its rich history and natural beauty