Historical Marker

Civil War Site 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.

The city of Huntsville, Alabama played a key role in the United States space program during the Cold War. The Redstone Arsenal, located in Huntsville, was the site of the development of the first ballistic missile, and later became the center of the U.S. Army's missile and rocket programs.
Alabama random facts
Tuscaloosa County, located in the state of Alabama, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Choctaw and Chickasaw, who relied on the fertile land for farming and hunting. The first Europeans arrived in the 16th century, with Hernando de Soto exploring the region in 1540 and establishing contact with the native tribes.

In 1816, Tuscaloosa County was officially created and named after the Native American Chief Tuskaloosa. The county became an important hub for cotton production and trade in the antebellum South, thanks to its fertile soil and proximity to major rivers. Plantations thrived, and enslaved individuals played a crucial role in the development of the region's economy.

During the Civil War, Tuscaloosa County experienced the impact of the conflict as it fell under Union control in 1865. The county faced significant challenges during the Reconstruction era, as the economy struggled to recover and racial tensions persisted. However, the county gradually rebuilt its infrastructure and saw the emergence of industries such as coal mining and timber.

In the 20th century, Tuscaloosa County entered a new era of growth and development. The expansion of the University of Alabama, founded in Tuscaloosa in 1831, brought increased population and economic opportunities. The county also became an important center for automotive manufacturing, with the establishment of factories by companies such as Mercedes-Benz and Michelin.

Today, Tuscaloosa County is a vibrant and culturally diverse region, known for its strong sense of community and bustling downtown area. Its history is celebrated through various historical sites and museums, offering visitors and residents a glimpse into the county's past while embracing the opportunities of the present.

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

  • Early 1800s: Native American tribes, including the Choctaw and Creek, inhabit the area that is now Tuscaloosa County.
  • 1813: Andrew Jackson leads the American forces in the Battle of Talladega against the Creek Nation near present-day Tuscaloosa County.
  • 1817: Tuscaloosa County is established by the Alabama Territorial Legislature.
  • 1826: Tuscaloosa becomes the state capital of Alabama.
  • 1831: The University of Alabama is founded in Tuscaloosa.
  • April 27, 2011: A devastating EF4 tornado strikes Tuscaloosa County and the city of Tuscaloosa, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • Present: Tuscaloosa County is a vibrant community with a diverse economy, thriving education institutions, and rich cultural heritage.