Historical Marker

Maryville During the Civil War

Historical marker location:
Maryville, Tennessee
( Marker can be reached from the intersection of McCammon Avenue and McGhee Street, on the left when traveling east.)

"A shameful...fire"

  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 town of Bell Buckle, Tennessee, is known for its annual Webb School Arts and Crafts Festival, which has been held every October since 1976. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Tennessee random facts
Blount County, located in eastern Tennessee, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by the Cherokee people, who called it "Tanasi." In the late 18th century, European settlers began arriving in the region, and the county was formed in 1795, named after Governor William Blount.

During the early years of its establishment, Blount County played a significant role in the expansion and development of Tennessee. It became a crucial center for trade and commerce, thanks to its location along important trade routes like the Old Federal Road and the Tennessee River. The county also played a role in the War of 1812, with significant military activity taking place near present-day Maryville.

In the mid-19th century, Blount County experienced growth and prosperity, with the implementation of the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad. This allowed for increased access to markets and furthered the agricultural and industrial development of the county. The town of Maryville, the county seat, became a hub for commerce, education, and culture.

Blount County's history is also intertwined with the Civil War. While the county remained predominantly pro-Union during the war, it saw significant military action due to its strategic location. Battle of Maryville and Battle of Campbell's Station were fought within its borders. After the war, Blount County saw a period of rebuilding and recovery, and today it remains a thriving hub of industry, education, and natural beauty.

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

  • 1795 - Blount County, TN is established
  • 1801 - The town of Maryville is established as the county seat
  • 1818 - The Hiwassee Purchase Treaty opens up the area for settlement
  • 1820 - The Old Stone Presbyterian Church is built in Maryville
  • 1825 - The Little Tennessee River Navigation Company is chartered to improve transportation
  • 1833 - The county courthouse is constructed in Maryville
  • 1857 - The Knoxville and Charleston Railroad reaches Maryville
  • 1861-1865 - Blount County suffers from the American Civil War
  • 1870 - The Knoxville and Ohio Railroad is completed in the county
  • 1933 - The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is established, partly in Blount County
  • 1942-1945 - The nearby Alcoa aluminum plant plays a key role in World War II
  • 1982 - The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is founded in Townsend