Historical Marker

Okolona in the Civil War

Marker installed: 2006
Marker provided by: Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

  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.

Since 1949 the State Historical Marker program has identified and interpreted historic sites across Mississippi. More than one thousand markers can be found near buildings, battlefields, cemeteries, churches, temples, forts, homes, schools, and abandoned towns.

For tourists the markers may be their only glimpses into the state’s rich and varied history. For Mississippi communities the markers can be points of pride that memorialize locally important people and events.

State Historical Markers are privately sponsored and funded. Anyone may sponsor a marker. To qualify a site must have unique historical significance to the local community, the state, or the nation.

Mississippi has a long history of political and social conservatism, and the state has consistently voted for Republican candidates in presidential elections since the 1980s. However, the state also has a strong Democratic Party tradition, particularly among African American voters.
Mississippi random facts
Chickasaw County, Mississippi, has a rich and diverse history that can be traced back to its Native American roots. The region was once home to the Chickasaw tribe, who inhabited the area for centuries before European settlers arrived. In 1836, the Chickasaw Indians were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands through the Treaty of Pontotoc, which opened up the area for settlement by white settlers.

Following the removal of the Chickasaw tribe, Chickasaw County was officially established in 1836. The county was named in honor of the Chickasaw people who had previously occupied the land. The county seat was originally located in Houston, but it was later moved to its current location in the city of Okolona.

During the mid-19th century, Chickasaw County thrived as an agricultural community, with cotton being the main cash crop. The economy was heavily dependent on slave labor, and many large plantations were established throughout the county. The Civil War had a significant impact on the area, as the county was located in a strategic position between Union and Confederate forces. Battles and skirmishes took place throughout the county, leaving a lasting impact on its landscape and its people.

In the decades following the Civil War, Chickasaw County faced numerous challenges, including economic struggles and racial tensions. The decline of the agricultural economy led to a shift towards smaller-scale farming and the growth of industries such as timber and manufacturing. The civil rights movement had a profound impact on the area, as residents fought for equal rights and opportunities for all. Today, Chickasaw County continues to be a vibrant community, with a diverse population and a strong sense of history and heritage.

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

  • 1836: Chickasaw County is established as part of the State of Mississippi.
  • 1861-1865: Chickasaw County is heavily involved in the American Civil War.
  • Late 19th century: The timber and railroad industries bring growth and economic development to Chickasaw County.
  • Early 20th century: The county experiences a decline in agricultural production due to the boll weevil infestation.
  • 1930s-1940s: Chickasaw County suffers from the effects of the Great Depression and World War II.
  • 1950s-1960s: The Civil Rights Movement impacts Chickasaw County as African Americans fight for equal rights.
  • Late 20th century: The county focuses on industrial and economic diversification, attracting new businesses.
  • Present: Chickasaw County continues to be a vibrant community, with a mix of agriculture, industry, and tourism.