Historical Marker

Civil War Prison Camp

Historical marker location:
Thomasville, Georgia
( Marker is on Wolf Street, 0 miles east of Cook Street, on the right when traveling west.)

  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.

Georgia was the site of the first European settlement in what is now the United States. In 1565, the Spanish established a settlement on St. Simons Island, which is now part of Georgia.
Georgia random facts
Thomas County, located in southwest Georgia, has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1825. The county was named after General Jett Thomas, a hero of the War of 1812. The area was primarily inhabited by indigenous Creek Indians before European settlers arrived.

During the antebellum period, Thomas County experienced significant growth and prosperity due to the success of its plantation economy. Large plantations, primarily cultivating cotton and tobacco, flourished in the area, relying heavily on enslaved labor. The county was known for its fertile soil, allowing for high agricultural yields.

The Civil War had a profound impact on Thomas County. Many local men enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the county played a strategic role due to its location between major railroad lines. The Battle of Thomasville in 1865 marked the last conflict between Union and Confederate forces east of the Mississippi River. Although the county was spared widespread destruction during the war, the economic consequences were severe.

After the Civil War, Thomas County slowly rebuilt its economy by diversifying its agricultural production and attracting new industries. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century bolstered the county's transportation infrastructure and facilitated trade. By the early 20th century, Thomasville, the county seat, had established itself as a popular winter resort for wealthy northern tourists, contributing to its economic growth.

Today, Thomas County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and service sectors. It has preserved its historic charm with numerous antebellum homes and landmarks. With its rich history and natural beauty, Thomas County attracts visitors from around the country, offering a glimpse into Georgia's past while embracing progress and economic development.

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

  • 1825: Thomas County is created by an act of the Georgia General Assembly.
  • 1826: The county is named after Jett Thomas, a prominent soldier and legislator.
  • 1831: The county seat is established in a small settlement known as Thomasville.
  • 1870: The completion of the railroad leads to an increase in population and economic growth.
  • 1885: Thomasville becomes known as the "Winter Resort of the South" due to its mild climate.
  • 1925: Fire destroys much of Thomasville's central business district.
  • 1960s-1970s: Civil Rights Movement brings desegregation and social change to the county.
  • 1990s: Thomas County experiences rapid population growth and development.