Historical Marker

Civil War

Historical marker location:
200 Monroe Street Northwest, Huntsville, Alabama
( Memorial is at the intersection of Monroe Street Northwest and Washington Street Northwest, on the left when traveling east on Monroe Street Northwest.)
Marker installed: 2013

(War Between the States). 1861-1865

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of Alabama.
The Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley, which was the first submarine to sink an enemy ship in combat, was built in Mobile, Alabama in 1863.
Alabama random facts
Madison County, Alabama has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Cherokee. In the late 1700s, European settlers began to establish small communities in the region, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

The county's history took a significant turn when Huntsville was chosen as the site for a new federal arsenal and military post in 1808. This decision, along with the subsequent establishment of the Redstone Arsenal in 1941, brought a wave of growth and development to the area. Huntsville and Madison County became vital centers for defense and aerospace industries, contributing to major technological advances and attracting thousands of skilled workers.

During the Civil War, Madison County found itself caught in the midst of a divided nation. The area witnessed several significant battles and skirmishes, including the Battle of First Manassas and the Battle of New Market. The county also served as a strategic transportation hub, with railroads and roads leading to key southern cities.

In more recent years, Madison County has experienced continued growth and prosperity. The county's economy diversified with the expansion of industries such as healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing. Huntsville's NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and the Cummings Research Park have made Madison County a hub for cutting-edge research and development.

Today, Madison County is a vibrant and diverse community with a blend of historic charm and modern innovation. The county's rich history, natural beauty, and thriving industries make it a desirable place to live, work, and visit.

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

  • 1808 - Madison County was created by the Mississippi Territory.
  • 1811 - The town of Huntsville became the county seat.
  • 1819 - Alabama achieved statehood, and Madison County became part of it.
  • 1861-1865 - Madison County was deeply affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1883 - The city of Madison was incorporated.
  • 1950s - Redstone Arsenal, a major U.S. Army post, was established in the county.
  • 1960s - Huntsville experienced significant growth due to space-related developments, including the establishment of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.
  • 1970s - Madison County experienced rapid population growth and urbanization.
  • 1996 - The U.S. Space & Rocket Center, home to the Saturn V rocket, was designated as a National Historic Landmark.