Historical Marker

Civil War Women’s Riot

Historical marker location:
Columbus, Georgia
( Marker is on Broadway, 0 miles north of 13th Street, in the median.)
Marker installed: 2011

  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 first gold rush in America happened in Georgia in 1828, when gold was discovered in the northwestern part of the state. This discovery led to the creation of the Dahlonega Mint, which produced gold coins until the outbreak of the Civil War.
Georgia random facts
Muscogee County, located in west-central Georgia, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek Nation, who were later forcibly removed by the government in the early 19th century. The county was officially created in 1826, and its name, Muscogee, is derived from the original inhabitants.

During the Civil War, Muscogee County played a significant role as a supply and transportation hub for the Confederate Army. The county had active Confederate camps and helped provide resources and troops to the war effort. However, Muscogee County was not exempt from the hardships and destruction of the war, experiencing economic devastation and loss of life.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Muscogee County saw significant economic growth thanks to the textile industry and the arrival of major railroads. Textile mills, such as the Eagle and Phenix Mill, brought jobs and prosperity to the area, attracting a diverse population of workers. The growth of transportation networks allowed for the expansion of trade and commerce, shaping the county's urban development.

Muscogee County has also played a vital role in the Civil Rights Movement. The city of Columbus, situated in Muscogee County, was a prominent site of activism and organization. Local citizens, including Dr. Thomas Brewer and the True Colors organization, fought for desegregation and equal rights. Their efforts contributed to significant social and political changes in the county and the wider region of Georgia.

Today, Muscogee County continues to be a vibrant and diverse community with a mix of urban and rural areas. It is home to educational institutions, including Columbus State University, and hosts events that celebrate its rich history and culture. From its Native American roots to its involvement in pivotal moments of American history, Muscogee County's past has shaped its present-day identity.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Muscogee County, Georgia.

  • 1802 - Muscogee County is established in Georgia.
  • 1827 - The county seat is established in Columbus.
  • 1838 - Muscogee County experiences the forced removal of Native Americans known as the Trail of Tears.
  • 1861-1865 - Muscogee County is deeply affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1871 - The first public school in the county is established.
  • 1885 - Columbus becomes the first city in Georgia to install a city-wide electric streetcar system.
  • 1936 - Columbus hosts the Junior League Baseball World Series, the first of many national events held in the city.
  • 1953 - Construction begins on the Jim Woodruff Dam, creating Lake Seminole and offering new recreational opportunities.
  • 1970 - Columbus merges with the county government, forming the consolidated Muscogee County-Columbus government.
  • 1982 - The Chattahoochee Riverwalk opens, transforming the riverfront into a popular area for recreation and entertainment.
  • 1996 - Columbus hosts the 1996 Olympic softball matches at the Columbus Softball Complex.