Historical Marker

Forts of the Civil War Era

Historical marker location:
160 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
( Marker can be reached from Beach City Road, 0.1 miles south of Dillon Rd..)

  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 South Carolina.
The Gullah/Geechee people, who are descendants of enslaved Africans from the Lowcountry region of South Carolina and Georgia, have their own unique culture and language. The Gullah/Geechee language is a creole language that combines elements of English and African languages, and the Gullah/Geechee people have preserved many traditions and customs from their African ancestors, including basket weaving and storytelling.
South Carolina random facts
Beaufort County, located in the state of South Carolina, has a rich and complex history that stretches back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Yemassee and Coosawhatchie peoples. The first European settlers arrived in the 16th century, with Spanish explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles establishing a short-lived settlement on Parris Island in 1566.

During the colonial era, Beaufort County played a significant role in the development of the region. The town of Beaufort, founded in 1711, became an important port and center of trade. It was also a major hub for plantation agriculture, with rice and indigo being the primary crops. The county thrived economically, drawing wealthy plantation owners and enslaved Africans to the area.

The county played a significant role in both the Revolutionary War and the American Civil War. During the Revolutionary War, Beaufort County was occupied by British forces, leading to the destruction of many plantations. In the Civil War, the county was a key target for Union forces, who captured the town of Beaufort and surrounding areas early in the conflict. The area remained under Union control for the duration of the war and became a haven for formerly enslaved individuals.

In the post-war period, Beaufort County experienced a period of slow recovery. The abolition of slavery brought significant changes to the social and economic fabric of the county, as former enslaved individuals sought to establish new lives and opportunities. In the 20th century, Beaufort County became a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and historic charm. Today, the county continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination and as a hub for military activity due to the presence of several military bases.

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

  • 1514: The area that is now Beaufort County is explored by Spanish conquistadors.
  • 1663: Beaufort County is officially established as part of the Carolina Colony.
  • 1711: Port Royal is settled by the French, becoming the first European settlement in the county.
  • 1739: Beaufort is founded by the English as the second oldest city in South Carolina.
  • 1783: The American Revolutionary War ends, and Beaufort County becomes part of the newly-formed United States.
  • 1824: Beaufort County is divided into multiple counties, including present-day Beaufort and Jasper counties.
  • 1861: The Civil War begins, and Beaufort County is occupied by Union forces for most of the war.
  • 1868: The Reconstruction Era begins, and Beaufort County sees significant changes and political reforms.
  • 1959: The Penn Center is established on St. Helena Island, promoting education and civil rights for African Americans.
  • 1980: The Beaufort Historic District is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2000: Beaufort County experiences rapid population growth and becomes a major tourist destination.