Historical Marker

Civil War (1861-1865)

Historical marker location:
5629 FL-16 W, Starke, Florida
( Marker can be reached from the intersection of Florida Route 16 and Tallahassee Street, on the right when traveling east.)

Walk Through Time. Camp Blanding Museum & Memorial Park

  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.

Florida is like a miniature America. It's composed of every kind of person, every class.
Zora Neale Hurston in Barron's, 1935
Clay County, Florida, is a county located in the northeastern part of the state. Its history dates back to the early 19th century when European settlers began to establish communities in the area. The county was officially created in 1858 and named after Henry Clay, a prominent American statesman.

During the 19th century, Clay County played a significant role in agriculture and timber production. The St. Johns River, which runs along the county's eastern border, provided transportation for goods, leading to the development of trade and commerce in the region. The establishment of plantations, especially for producing citrus fruits and cotton, further contributed to the county's economy.

The Civil War brought significant changes to Clay County as it did to the entire state of Florida. Many of the plantations in the area were devastated, and the county faced economic challenges in the post-war period. However, the construction of railroads in the late 19th century brought new opportunities for growth and prosperity. Railways connected Clay County to other parts of the state, facilitating the transportation of goods and attracting new industries to the area.

In the 20th century, Clay County experienced expansion and development, especially after World War II. The establishment of military bases in the county, such as Camp Blanding, brought an influx of new residents and stimulated the local economy. Today, Clay County is known for its natural beauty, with a mix of rural areas and suburban communities. It continues to attract people with its scenic landscapes, historic sites, and opportunities for outdoor activities.

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

  • 1828 - Clay County is established as a county in Florida.
  • 1840 - The county seat of Clay County is established in the town of Green Cove Springs.
  • 1858 - The St. Johns River and Clay County Railroad is completed, connecting the county to other parts of Florida.
  • 1861-1865 - Clay County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1883 - The first railroad bridge across the St. Johns River is built in Clay County.
  • 1924 - The Lower St. Johns River Basin is drained, leading to increased agricultural activity in Clay County.
  • 1942-1945 - Camp Blanding, a training ground for the U.S. Army during World War II, is established in Clay County.
  • 1994 - The Clay County Historical Society is formed to preserve and promote the history of the county.
  • 2021 - Clay County continues to grow and develop, with a diverse economy and a population that continues to expand.
Online RSVP, Simplified
  • Start free, set up in minutes
  • Send invites instantly
  • Real-time response analytics
  • Clean, ad-free experience
Create an RSVP event