Historical Marker

Civil War

Historical marker location:
Daytona Beach, Florida
( Memorial is on Silver Beach Avenue, 0.3 miles east of City Island Parkway, on the right when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 2020

1861 - 1865. Tom Staed Veterans Memorial Bridge

  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 a weird, wonderful and more rare kind of place. It can take a lifetime to explore!
Sarah Vowell in Take the Cannoli, 2000
Volusia County, Florida has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes such as the Timucua Indians, who thrived on hunting, fishing, and farming along the St. Johns River. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in Florida, led by Juan Ponce de León who claimed the land for Spain. This marked the beginning of European influence in the region.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Volusia County witnessed the arrival of settlers from various backgrounds. These included English, Scottish, and African Americans who established agricultural communities and plantations. The largest settlement, New Smyrna, was established by Andrew Turnbull, a Scottish physician, in 1768. This settlement, however, faced numerous challenges and ultimately failed.

In the late 19th century, the arrival of the railroad brought significant growth and development to Volusia County. The city of DeLand, founded in 1876, became a key hub in the region. The county also saw the emergence of the tourism industry with the establishment of beachside resorts and hotels, attracting visitors from all over. In 1925, Daytona Beach became known as the "Birthplace of Speed" with the establishment of the Daytona International Speedway, hosting iconic racing events such as the Daytona 500.

Volusia County continued to grow throughout the 20th century, with advancements in transportation, infrastructure, and the arrival of major businesses. The county is home to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, one of the world's leading aviation and aerospace institutions. Today, Volusia County remains a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and a thriving economy.

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

  • 1804: The area that would become Volusia County is acquired by the United States through the Treaty of Paris.
  • 1832: The area is established as part of Mosquito County.
  • 1854: Mosquito County is divided, and the southern portion becomes known as Orange County.
  • 1855: Volusia County is established, incorporating the southern portion of Mosquito County.
  • 1876: The county seat is established in Enterprise.
  • 1887: The county seat is moved to DeLand.
  • 1957: The Florida Legislature approves the incorporation of Daytona Beach as a city.
  • 1963: The county seat is officially moved back to DeLand.
  • 1987: The incorporated city of Deltona is established.