Historical Marker

Pikeville During the Civil War

Historical marker location:
3150 Main St, Pikeville, Tennessee
( Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (Tennessee Route 28) and Spring Street, on the right when traveling north on Main Street.)

History Around You

  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 Tennessee.
The Battle of Stones River, fought near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, during the Civil War, was one of the bloodiest battles of the conflict. It resulted in over 23,000 casualties, including over 3,000 deaths.
Tennessee random facts
Bledsoe County, TN has a rich and diverse history that stretches back to its early settlement days. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Creek, who used the rolling hills and fertile valleys for hunting and gathering. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive in the region, with the first permanent settlement established in 1807.

During the early years of settlement, Bledsoe County was mainly an agricultural community, with farms specializing in crops like corn, wheat, and tobacco. The county was named after Anthony Bledsoe, a prominent settler and military leader who was killed in an Indian attack in 1788. The county continued to grow and develop throughout the 19th century, with the construction of roads and schools improving the quality of life for its residents.

In the mid-19th century, Bledsoe County played a role in the Civil War. Although it remained neutral at the beginning of the conflict, the county eventually joined the Confederacy and provided soldiers to the Confederate Army. The war brought about significant changes in the area, with many farms and properties destroyed or damaged.

After the Civil War, Bledsoe County rebuilt its economy and infrastructure. The introduction of railroads in the late 19th century opened up new opportunities for trade and commerce, leading to further growth in the county. Today, Bledsoe County preserves its rich history through museums and historical sites, while also embracing a modern economy that includes industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Bledsoe County, Tennessee.

  • 1807: Bledsoe County is established by the Tennessee General Assembly.
  • 1835: The county's first courthouse is built.
  • 1861-1865: Bledsoe County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1875: The town of Pikeville is incorporated.
  • 1899: The advent of the railroad boosts the area's economy.
  • 1925: The Bledsoe County High School is established.
  • 1963: The Tennessee Valley Authority completes the construction of the Fall Creek Falls Dam.
  • 1982: The Fall Creek Falls State Park is officially opened.
  • 2011: The tornado outbreak damages several areas in Bledsoe County.