Historical Marker

Civil War Knoxville

Historical marker location:
Knoxville, Tennessee
( Marker is on Fort Dickerson Road west of Chapman Highway SW, on the left when traveling north.)

  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.

Tennessee was the site of the first commercial nuclear power plant in the United States. The Tennessee Valley Authority's Watts Bar Nuclear Plant began operating in 1996 and remains in operation today.
Tennessee random facts
Knox County, Tennessee, has a rich history dating back to the early 18th century. The region was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, who peacefully coexisted with European settlers until conflicts arose in the late 1700s. In 1791, the region was ceded to the United States, leading to a wave of settlers moving into the area.

The county is named after Henry Knox, a Revolutionary War general and Secretary of War under President George Washington. Established in 1792, Knox County initially covered a vast area that included parts of present-day Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina. The county seat was initially located at Southwest Point (present-day Kingston), but it was relocated to its current location in Knoxville in 1793.

In the 19th century, Knox County experienced significant growth and development. It became a prominent hub for trade and transportation, with the completion of the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad in 1855. The county also played a notable role in the Civil War, with Knoxville serving as a strategic objective for both Union and Confederate forces. The Battle of Fort Sanders in 1863, a Union victory, marked a turning point in the region.

After the Civil War, Knox County continued to prosper and expand. The development of the Tennessee Valley Authority in the 1930s brought economic opportunities and infrastructure improvements to the area. The county also became a center for education, with the establishment of the University of Tennessee in the 1790s and the University of Tennessee Medical Center in the 1950s.

Today, Knox County is a vibrant and diverse community, known for its thriving arts scene, outdoor recreational activities, and strong sense of community. The county's rich history is preserved through various museums, historical landmarks, and annual events that celebrate its past. Knox County continues to grow and evolve while retaining its distinctive Southern charm and unique heritage.

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

  • Prehistory - The region now known as Knox County was inhabited for thousands of years by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Creek nations.
  • 1775 - The area was settled by European pioneers, including James White, who established White's Fort, the first permanent settlement in what is now Knoxville.
  • 1791 - The Territory of the United States South of the River Ohio, which included the area now known as Knox County, was organized. William Blount was appointed as the governor.
  • 1796 - The State of Tennessee was admitted to the Union, and Knox County was one of the original counties established within the new state.
  • 1803 - The capital of Tennessee was moved from Knoxville to Nashville.
  • 1830s - The construction of the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad began, connecting Knoxville to the rest of the region.
  • 1861-1865 - Knox County, like the rest of Tennessee, was divided during the American Civil War. The county was occupied by both Union and Confederate forces at various times.
  • 1897 - The City of Knoxville was officially chartered as a city.
  • 1933 - The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established, including parts of Knox County.
  • 1982 - The World's Fair was held in Knoxville, attracting millions of visitors.
  • Today - Knox County is a thriving county with a diverse economy, beautiful natural surroundings, and a rich cultural heritage.