Historical Marker

Civil War in Tennessee

Historical marker location:
Ardmore, Tennessee
( Marker can be reached from Interstate 65 at milepost 2.8, on the right when traveling north.)

Hood Campaign of 1864

  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 city of Memphis, Tennessee, was the site of the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968. The Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King was staying, is now the National Civil Rights Museum.
Tennessee random facts
Giles County, Tennessee, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 1800s. The county was established in 1809, named after William Branch Giles, a prominent Virginia statesman. The region was initially home to Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Chickasaw, who were later displaced through treaties and forced removal.

Like many areas in the South, Giles County's economy during the early years relied heavily on agriculture, particularly tobacco and cotton. The fertile soil and the slave labor system helped the county thrive, and plantations dotted the landscape. However, the Civil War brought significant changes to Giles County, as it became a battleground for the Union and Confederate forces. The county witnessed several skirmishes and notable engagements, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

Following the war, Giles County went through a period of reconstruction and struggled to recover from economic and social challenges. However, the 20th century saw the county's resurgence and diversification. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century facilitated transportation and stimulated industrial growth. The county experienced a shift from agrarian to industrial economy, with the establishment of a variety of industries, including textiles, mining, and manufacturing.

Over the years, Giles County has also made substantial contributions to education and civil rights. In the early 20th century, a number of private colleges were established in the county, providing access to higher education. The county also played a role in the Civil Rights Movement, with local activists advocating for racial equality and participating in demonstrations.

Today, Giles County preserves its history through various museums, landmarks, and festivals. The community continues to evolve and grow, blending its rich heritage with modern development.

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

  • 1809: Giles County is formed from parts of Maury, Robertson, and Indian lands.
  • 1836: Pulaski, the county seat, is incorporated.
  • 1860s: Giles County becomes a center for Confederate recruiting and manufacturing during the Civil War.
  • 1872: The first railroad is built in Giles County.
  • 1908: A new courthouse is constructed in Pulaski.
  • 1943: The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, a major horse show, begins in Giles County and continues annually.
  • 1960s: The county experiences significant racial tensions and civil rights struggles.
  • 1993: A tornado hits Giles County, causing widespread damage.
  • 2001: The American Civil War Trails System designates Giles County as a participant in its heritage tourism program.
  • 2010s: Giles County continues to be a rural community with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and recreational activities.