Historical Marker

The Civil War

Historical marker location:
1100 Fort Negley Boulevard, Nashville, Tennessee
( Marker can be reached from Fort Negley Boulevard north of Chestnut Street, on the right when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 2004

  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
Davidson County, Tennessee is an area rich in history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and the Shawnee. European explorers, most notably French traders, began to explore the area in the 18th century.

The county is named after General William Lee Davidson, a North Carolina militia officer who was killed in the Revolutionary War. Davidson County was established in 1783, making it one of the oldest counties in Tennessee. The city of Nashville, which is the county seat, was founded soon after, in 1780.

Throughout its history, Davidson County has played a significant role in the development of Tennessee and the United States. In the early 19th century, Nashville became a hub for trade and transportation, as well as a center for education and culture. The city thrived as a port along the Cumberland River and became an important cotton trading hub.

During the Civil War, Davidson County witnessed several significant events. The Battle of Nashville, a major Union victory, took place here in 1864 and marked a turning point in the war. The city also served as a center for the Union's military operations throughout the region.

In the decades following the Civil War, Davidson County continued to grow and evolve. It became known as the "Athens of the South" for its esteemed institutions of higher education, including Vanderbilt University and Fisk University. Today, Davidson County remains a cultural and economic center of Tennessee, with a flourishing music scene, lively downtown area, and a diverse population.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Davidson County, Tennessee.

  • 1783 – Davidson County is created by the North Carolina legislature and named in honor of William Lee Davidson.
  • 1784 – Nashville is established as the county seat of Davidson County.
  • 1806 – The Tennessee State Capitol building, also located in Davidson County, is completed.
  • 1812 – A new courthouse is constructed in Nashville.
  • 1861 – Tennessee secedes from the Union and joins the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
  • 1864 – Nashville becomes the first Confederate state capital to fall to Union forces during the Civil War.
  • 1868 – The Tennessee State Capitol building is restored and reopened after being damaged during the Civil War.
  • 1871 – A new Davidson County Courthouse is constructed in Nashville to replace the previous one.
  • 1963 – The Parthenon replica in Centennial Park is completed, becoming a popular tourist attraction in Davidson County.
  • 1997 – Riverfront Park, a waterfront park along the Cumberland River, is opened in downtown Nashville.
  • 2010 – The 2010 flood devastates parts of Davidson County, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure.