Historical Marker

Pre-Civil War Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Albertville, Alabama
( Marker is on West Main Street (Alabama Route 205), on the right when traveling west.)
Marker installed: 1971

  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 University of Alabama was the site of one of the most dramatic moments in college football history. In 1970, legendary Alabama head coach Bear Bryant walked onto the field during a game against Southern California and ordered his team to remove their helmets as a sign of respect for the recent passing of USC's coach.
Alabama random facts
Marshall County, Alabama, located in the northeastern part of the state, has a rich and interesting history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Creek tribes. These tribes traded with European settlers until the 1830s when they were forcibly relocated during the Trail of Tears.

The county was officially established on January 9, 1836, and was named in honor of John Marshall, the Chief Justice of the United States at the time. In the early years, agriculture played a vital role in the county's economy, with cotton being the dominant crop. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century spurred economic growth and brought new industries to the area, including lumber mills and cotton factories.

During the Civil War, Marshall County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. The county saw numerous skirmishes and military actions, including the Battle of Guntersville in 1862. After the war, the county began to rebuild its economy, with an emphasis on diversification. The county's proximity to Birmingham and Huntsville allowed for the growth of manufacturing and technology industries in the 20th century.

In recent years, Marshall County has experienced significant growth and development. The county's population has steadily increased, and new businesses and industries have been attracted to the area. Marshall County is now known for its manufacturing sector, with industries such as automotive, aerospace, and food processing contributing to its economic well-being. The county also offers a wealth of natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, including Lake Guntersville, Alabama's largest lake, which attracts tourists and nature enthusiasts from across the region.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Marshall County, Alabama.

  • 1805: Marshall County was established on January 9, 1805.
  • 1836: The town of Guntersville was incorporated on December 13, 1836.
  • 1844: Marshall County served as a stopping point for the Cherokee Removal, also known as the Trail of Tears.
  • 1846: Albertville, originally named "Spring," was established on February 18, 1846.
  • 1861: Alabama seceded from the Union and Marshall County played a significant role in the Civil War.
  • 1874: The first courthouse in Guntersville was built in 1874.
  • 1917: WWI had an impact on the county, with many residents serving in the military.
  • 1925: A devastating tornado struck Albertville on April 24, 1925, causing extensive damage and loss of life.
  • 1969: The TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) built the Guntersville Dam, creating Lake Guntersville.
  • 1987: The town of Douglas was incorporated on May 12, 1987.
  • 2008: Marshall County experienced severe tornado damage on November 15, 2008.