Historical Marker

Jasper County Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Monticello, Georgia
( Memorial is on South Warren Street (Georgia Route 83) just north of West Washington Street, on the left when traveling north.)

  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 played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, with many key events taking place in the state. The Albany Movement, the March on Washington, and the Selma to Montgomery March all had ties to Georgia.
Georgia random facts
Jasper County, Georgia, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, the area was settled by European-American pioneers in the early 1800s. The county was named after Sergeant William Jasper, a Revolutionary War hero, and was officially established in 1807.

During the antebellum period, Jasper County flourished economically, with cotton production becoming a major industry. Plantations were established, and enslaved African Americans were forced to work on these plantations. However, the Civil War brought significant changes to the area, as many plantations were destroyed or abandoned.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Jasper County faced challenges in recovering from the war. The economy shifted from agriculture to manufacturing, with textile mills and woodworking factories becoming prominent. The railroad also played a crucial role in the county's growth, connecting it to larger cities and facilitating trade.

Throughout the 20th century, Jasper County experienced both highs and lows. The Great Depression and World War II had a significant impact, but the county eventually rebounded. Today, Jasper County is known for its beautiful landscapes, historic homes, and thriving agricultural industries, including poultry farming and timber production. The county continues to honor its history while embracing modern development and sustainable practices for its residents.

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

  • 1811 - Jasper County is created from Baldwin County.
  • 1812 - Monticello becomes the county seat.
  • Late 1800s - Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, becomes the primary industry.
  • 1900s - The county experiences a decline in population due to agricultural mechanization and the boll weevil infestation.
  • 1940s - The construction of Lake Jackson brings an economic boost to the county.
  • 1970s - The county experiences continued population growth, mainly due to suburban development.
  • 1990s - The population exceeds 10,000 people for the first time.