Civil War "No Man's Land"
Historical marker location: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.
During the early years of settlement, Bradley County experienced conflicts between Native Americans and settlers. In the early 1800s, the area played a significant role in the Cherokee Removal, also known as the Trail of Tears, when thousands of Native Americans were forcibly displaced from their lands to make room for expanding American settlements. This tragic period has left a lasting impact on the region's history.
As the county grew, the establishment of Cleveland, the county seat, served as a center for commerce and trade. The presence of the railroad in the mid-19th century further contributed to the growth of the area and facilitated the transportation of goods and people. Bradley County played a crucial role in the Civil War as well, with many residents serving in both Union and Confederate forces.
In the 20th century, Bradley County experienced significant industrial growth. The 1920s marked the establishment of the Whirlpool Corporation, which remains a major employer in the area to this day. The growth of industry and commerce continued throughout the century, leading to population and economic expansion.
Overall, Bradley County has navigated a complex history filled with triumphs and challenges. Today, it stands as a vibrant community that embraces its past while also looking toward a prosperous future.
Bradley County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Bradley County, Tennessee.
- 1836: The territory that would become Bradley County is formed
- 1838: Cleveland is established as the county seat
- 1860s: Bradley County experiences significant growth with the arrival of the railroad
- 1861: The American Civil War begins, and Bradley County sees much military activity
- 1870s: A period of reconstruction and recovery for the county after the war
- 1900s: Bradley County becomes a center for textile manufacturing
- 1914: The Coca-Cola bottling plant opens in Cleveland
- 1940s: Bradley County experiences industrial growth due to World War II
- 1960s: The Civil Rights Movement brings changes to Bradley County
- 1970s: Cleveland State Community College is established
- 1980s-1990s: Economic diversification and growth continue in the county
- 2000s: Bradley County becomes a hub for automotive manufacturing