Civil War Earthworks at Tallahatchie Crossing
Off MS 7, Abbeville, MS Local significance of the site:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
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 National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
During the American Civil War, Marshall County played a significant role as a site for military operations. It was occupied by both Union and Confederate troops throughout the war and was witness to several battles and skirmishes. The most notable of these engagements was the Battle of Collierville in 1863, which resulted in Union victory and secured control of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad.
After the war, Marshall County experienced a period of reconstruction and development. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the mainstay of the local economy, and the county thrived as a major producer. The cotton industry brought prosperity to the area, leading to the establishment of numerous towns and communities.
The mid-20th century brought significant changes to Marshall County. The decline of cotton farming, accompanied by mechanization and changes in the agricultural industry, led to a shift in the county's economy. However, the community adapted and diversified, with the growth of new industries and the expansion of manufacturing and services.
Today, Marshall County continues to evolve as a thriving hub for commerce, agriculture, and community life. It commemorates its history through various historical sites and attractions, showcasing the significant events and people that have shaped its past. With a blend of old charm and modern progress, Marshall County stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its residents.
Marshall County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Marshall County, Mississippi.
- 1819: Marshall County was established by the Mississippi Legislature.
- 1836: Holly Springs was designated as the county seat.
- 1861-1865: The American Civil War disrupted life in Marshall County.
- 1866: The Freedmen's Bureau established an office in Holly Springs to assist newly emancipated slaves.
- 1878: The Holly Springs National Bank opened, becoming one of the first African American-owned banks in the United States.
- 1905: The Marshall County Training School was founded as a school for African American students.
- 1966: The Holly Springs National Historic Landmark District was created, recognizing the city's rich history.
- 1997: The William Faulkner Literary Competition was established in Holly Springs.
- 2005: The Marshall County Historical Museum opened in Holly Springs, showcasing the county's history.