Historical Marker

Walton County Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Monroe, Georgia
( Memorial is on South Broad Street (Georgia Route 11) just south of East Spring Street (Georgia Route 10), on the left when traveling south.)
Marker installed: 1907

  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.
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, located in Atlanta, is a popular tourist destination and includes the King Center, which features exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement and King's life and legacy.
Georgia random facts
Walton County, located in the state of Georgia, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the 18th century. Originally inhabited by the Cherokee and Creek Native American tribes, European settlers began to arrive in the late 1700s. The region was part of a land grant given to the Creek tribe, but white settlers encroached on the territory, leading to conflicts and eventual displacement of the Native American inhabitants.

The county was officially established on December 15, 1818, and named after George Walton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. During this time, the area was predominantly agricultural, with cotton being the most important crop. Slavery was also prevalent in Walton County, with large plantations being established and the practice of enslaving African Americans becoming deeply ingrained in the region's economy.

During the American Civil War, Walton County was divided between Confederate and Union sympathizers, causing tensions and sporadic military engagements in the area. The Battle of Monroe, fought in April 1865, was the county's most significant engagement, resulting in the surrender of Confederate forces. After the war, the region faced the challenges of post-war recovery and the aftermath of Reconstruction policies.

In the 20th century, Walton County experienced significant changes. The advent of the railroad in the late 19th century opened up the county to new economic opportunities, and industrialization began to take hold. The creation of Lake George Walton, now known as Lake Walton, in the 1970s further stimulated growth and brought about an increase in tourism and recreational activities.

Today, Walton County continues to evolve, balancing its rich historical legacy with the demands of a modern society. The county's vibrant communities, including Monroe, Social Circle, and Loganville, offer a blend of small-town charm and suburban development. Agriculture remains an important part of the local economy, with crops such as peaches, poultry, and dairy playing significant roles. The county also boasts a strong industrial sector, with numerous manufacturing facilities and distribution centers. Walton County's history stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people, and it continues to shape the present and future of this vibrant Georgia county.

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

  • 1818 - Walton County is formed from land ceded by the Creek Indians in the Treaty of Fort Jackson.
  • 1821 - The county seat, Monroe, is incorporated.
  • 1835 - The Georgia Assembly declares Monroe as the official state capital, but the decision is later reversed.
  • 1861-1865 - Walton County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1888 - The Monroe Cotton Mill, the first cotton mill in Georgia, is established.
  • 1901 - The Georgia State Sanitarium is established in Monroe, providing medical care for tuberculosis patients.
  • 1950s-1960s - Civil Rights Movement activities occur in Walton County.
  • 1990s-2000s - Walton County experiences significant population growth and development.