Historical Marker

Civil War in Lewis County

Historical marker location:
110 North Park Street, Hohenwald, Tennessee
( Marker is on North Park Street.)
Marker installed: 2012

Foragers and Guerrillas

  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 recorded manned flight in history. In 1878, a man named George Washington Pearcy flew a steam-powered aircraft over a field in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
Tennessee random facts
Lewis County, Tennessee has a rich and fascinating history that can be traced back to the indigenous tribes who first inhabited the region. Prior to European settlement, the area was home to the Cherokee and Chickasaw tribes, who relied on the land's natural resources for their survival.

The first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, attracted by the fertile soil and abundant wildlife. The county itself was named after Meriwether Lewis, the famous explorer of the Lewis and Clark expedition. In the early years, Lewis County was primarily an agricultural community, with farmers cultivating crops such as tobacco, corn, and cotton.

During the Civil War, Lewis County, like many other parts of Tennessee, was strategic to both Union and Confederate forces. The county saw its fair share of skirmishes and raids, often resulting in loss and suffering for local residents. Despite the hardships, the county played a crucial role in the Union victory, with many of its young men joining the Union Army.

In the 20th century, Lewis County experienced a significant shift towards industrialization, particularly with the establishment of the Murray Ohio Manufacturing Company in the town of Lawrenceburg. The company brought jobs and economic growth to the county, providing employment opportunities for local residents. Today, Lewis County continues to thrive as a rural community with a strong emphasis on agriculture, while also exploring new avenues for economic development.

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

  • 1811 - Lewis County is established as part of Tennessee.
  • 1836 - Hohenwald, the county seat, is founded.
  • 1855 - A railroad line is completed, connecting Hohenwald to other cities.
  • 1861-1865 - Lewis County residents serve in the American Civil War.
  • 1870 - Lewis County's first public school is established.
  • 1909 - Natchez Trace State Park is created in Lewis County.
  • 1928 - An electric power plant is built in Hohenwald.
  • 1956 - A tornado causes significant damage in the county.
  • 1998 - The Buffalo River is designated as a "State Scenic River."
  • 2005 - A new Lewis County High School building is completed.