Historical Marker

Civil War Fighting Men

Historical marker location:
6 GA-136Marker, Resaca, Georgia
( Marker can be reached from Resaca Lafayette Road Northwest (Georgia Route 136).)

  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 Georgia.
Georgia was the last of the original 13 colonies to be established. It was founded in 1732, over 100 years after the first English settlement in Virginia.
Georgia random facts
Gordon County, located in the state of Georgia, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Creek, and Shawnee. These tribes relied on hunting, fishing, and agriculture for their sustenance.

In the early 19th century, European settlers began to populate the region. In 1832, the Treaty of New Echota was signed, forcing the Cherokee Nation to give up their lands and relocate westward on the infamous Trail of Tears. This event had a profound impact on the history and development of Gordon County, as the land became available for settlement by non-Indigenous people.

The county was established in 1850 and named after William Washington Gordon, a prominent Georgia businessman and politician. The town of Calhoun was chosen as the county seat. The region quickly grew, attracting settlers from nearby states and contributing to the area's agricultural economy.

During the American Civil War, Gordon County played a significant role. The Battle of Resaca, fought in May 1864, was a major engagement of General Sherman's Atlanta Campaign. The battle resulted in heavy casualties and damage to the area, but ultimately, Union forces prevailed and took control of the county.

In the years following the war, Gordon County experienced a period of recovery and reconstruction. The industrial revolution brought economic growth to the area, with the development of railroads and the establishment of textile mills. Today, Gordon County is a vibrant community that celebrates its history while embracing progress and development.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Gordon County, Georgia.

  • 1832 - Gordon County is created on February 13
  • 1834 - Calhoun is established as the county seat
  • 1861-1865 - Gordon County residents participate in the American Civil War
  • 1870 - The first railroad, the W&A Railroad, reaches Calhoun
  • 1882 - The first public high school in Georgia is established in Calhoun
  • 1930s - The Great Depression affects Gordon County, leading to economic hardships
  • 1952 - The completion of the Allatoona Dam creates the Allatoona Lake, which borders Gordon County
  • 1976 - The Gordon County Historical Society is formed
  • 2005 - The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta opens in Calhoun, boosting the local economy