Historical Marker

Macon County in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
Lafayette, Tennessee
( Marker is on 201 County Courthouse.)

Division and Conflict

  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 first known protest against British taxation in America occurred in Tennessee in 1768, more than a decade before the famous Boston Tea Party. A group of settlers in the Watauga Association signed a petition protesting the British government's attempt to impose taxes on them without their consent.
Tennessee random facts
Macon County, Tennessee has a rich history that dates back to the early settlement days. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Creek tribes. However, as European settlers began to move into the region in the late 18th century, conflicts between the settlers and Native Americans arose.

The county is named after Nathaniel Macon, a prominent politician and statesman of the early 19th century. Macon County was officially established in 1842, carved out of parts of neighboring Sumner and Smith Counties. The county seat, Lafayette, was named after the Marquis de Lafayette, a French general who fought in the American Revolutionary War.

One significant event in Macon County's history was the Civil War. Like much of Tennessee, the county was divided with strong Union and Confederate sympathies. The Battle of Hartsville, fought in 1862, took place in Macon County and was a significant victory for the Confederates. The war brought destruction and hardship to the area, but the county began to slowly rebuild in the post-war period.

Throughout the 20th century, Macon County experienced periods of growth and change. Agriculture played a significant role in the county's economy, with tobacco, corn, and livestock being major commodities. In recent years, Macon County has also seen an increase in industrial development and tourism, particularly due to its scenic beauty and proximity to the Cumberland River. Today, Macon County continues to honor its history while striving for economic development and progress.

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

  • 1842 - Macon County is officially established by the Tennessee General Assembly.
  • 1843 - Red Boiling Springs, a popular resort town known for its mineral springs, is founded.
  • 1861 - Macon County strongly supports the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
  • 1890s - The county experiences economic growth with the establishment of tobacco factories.
  • 1930 - The Cordell Hull Dam, later renamed the Old Hickory Dam, is completed on the Cumberland River, providing hydroelectric power and flood control for the region.
  • 1937 - Flooding caused by heavy rainfall leads to significant damage in Macon County.
  • 1960s - Due to the construction of highways, Macon County becomes more accessible and experiences increased tourism.
  • 1970 - The city of Lafayette, the county seat of Macon County, is incorporated.
  • 1999 - A tornado strikes Macon County, causing extensive damage and several fatalities.