Historical Marker

North Carolina

Historical marker location:
Durham, North Carolina
( Marker is at the intersection of Blackwell Street and Dillard Street, on the right when traveling north on Blackwell Street.)

Civil War Trails

  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 Wright Brothers, credited with inventing and building the world's first successful airplane, made their first successful flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in 1903.
North Carolina random facts
Durham County, located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the earliest American settlements. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Occaneechi and Eno, who thrived off the fertile land. Europeans began arriving in the late 17th century, with the region eventually falling under British control.

During the early 19th century, Durham County was primarily an agricultural community, with tobacco farming becoming a prominent industry. As the demand for tobacco grew, leading to significant economic growth, the town of Durham was established in 1853. The establishment of the North Carolina Railroad also played a crucial role in the county's development, further boosting trade and transportation.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were transformative for Durham County. The rise of the American tobacco industry saw the town of Durham become a major hub, earning it the nickname "Bull City." Companies like American Tobacco Company and Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company prospered, shaping the county's economy and contributing to the development of iconic structures such as the Lucky Strike cigarette factory and Durham's downtown skyline.

In the 20th century, Durham County has experienced periods of growth, challenges, and transformation. It played a significant role in the civil rights movement, with the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People leading protests and advocating for racial equality. The county has also become a center for education, with Duke University and North Carolina Central University being established. Today, Durham is known for its thriving research, technology, and healthcare sectors, as well as its vibrant cultural scene and commitment to progressive initiatives.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Durham County, North Carolina.

  • 1838: Durham County is established on April 17, named after Dr. Bartlett Durham.
  • 1851: The community of Durhamville is established after a railway depot is built nearby.
  • 1853: Durhamville is renamed Durham Station.
  • 1865: The Civil War ends, and Durham Station begins to grow as a result of the tobacco industry.
  • 1873: Durham Station is officially incorporated as the town of Durham.
  • 1881: The Durham Tobacco Company is founded, marking the beginning of the tobacco boom in the area.
  • 1893: Durham becomes the county seat of Durham County.
  • 1903: The Washington Duke family founds the American Tobacco Company in Durham.
  • 1910: The Parrish Street area becomes a center of African American business and culture.
  • 1957: North Carolina Central University is established in Durham.
  • 1980s: Durham experiences economic decline due to the decline of the tobacco industry.
  • 1990s: Durham undergoes a revitalization effort, focusing on downtown redevelopment and the creation of Research Triangle Park.