Historical Marker

DeKalb County in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
Smithville, Tennessee
( Marker is on South Public Square near East Public Square, on the left when traveling east.)

A Country and a County Divided

  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.

The first self-made female millionaire in the United States was Sarah Breedlove, also known as Madam C.J. Walker. She was born on a plantation near Delta, Tennessee, in 1867.
Tennessee random facts
DeKalb County, Tennessee has a rich and diverse history that stretches back hundreds of years. The area that is now DeKalb County was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Shawnee peoples. The first European settlers began to arrive in the late 18th century, attracted by the fertile land and abundance of natural resources.

In 1837, DeKalb County was officially formed and named after Johan De Kalb, a German-born American Revolutionary War hero. The county quickly became known for its agricultural productivity, with farmers cultivating crops such as corn, tobacco, and cotton. The economy was also bolstered by the establishment of grist mills and sawmills along the county's many rivers.

During the Civil War, DeKalb County played a significant role as a strategic transportation hub. The Union Army occupied the county for much of the war, and the Battle of Liberty took place in 1863, resulting in Confederate forces briefly occupying the area. The war brought significant upheaval and hardship to the county, with many residents enduring economic struggles and the loss of loved ones.

As the 20th century dawned, DeKalb County saw advancements in infrastructure and technology. Roads were improved, schools and churches were constructed, and electricity and telephone services were brought to the area. In recent decades, the county has continued to grow and change, with a focus on tourism, agriculture, and small businesses.

Today, DeKalb County retains its rural charm and natural beauty, while also embracing modern amenities and opportunities. It remains a close-knit community with a strong sense of pride in its history and a dedication to preserving its heritage for future generations.

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

  • 1801 - DeKalb County is established and named after Johann de Kalb, a German military officer who served in the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1838 - The county seat is officially established in the town of Alexandria.
  • 1861 - DeKalb County sends soldiers to fight in the American Civil War as part of the Confederate Army.
  • 1967 - Center Hill Dam is completed, creating Center Hill Lake and providing a boost to tourism in the area.
  • 2018 - The county celebrates its bicentennial anniversary with various events and activities.