Historical Marker

Civil War in Tennessee

Historical marker location:
Jasper, Tennessee
( Marker is on Interstate 24W at milepost 160,, 1.2 miles west of Shellmound Road (Tennessee Route 156), on the right when traveling west.)

The Kentucky and Tullahoma Campaigns

  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 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
Marion County is located in the state of Tennessee and has a rich history dating back hundreds of years. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Creek, Chickasaw, and Shawnee. European settlers began to establish settlements in the region in the late 18th century.

In 1817, Marion County was officially established and named after American Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion. The county played a significant role in the development of the Tennessee River as a major transportation route, and riverboat traffic became an essential part of the local economy.

During the Civil War, Marion County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Union and others joining the Confederacy. The Battle of Chattanooga in 1863 had a significant impact on the region, and the county saw military action and experienced the effects of the war.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coal mining became a major industry in Marion County, contributing to its economic growth. However, the decline of coal mining in the mid-20th century led to a downturn in the local economy. Today, Marion County thrives on tourism, outdoor recreational activities, and agriculture, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

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

  • June 1, 1817: Marion County was established and named after General Francis Marion.
  • 1819: The county seat was established in Jasper.
  • 1836: Nickajack Lake was created with the construction of the Nickajack Dam.
  • 1860: The population of Marion County was approximately 6,800 prior to the Civil War.
  • 1863: The Battle of Chattanooga took place in Marion County during the Civil War.
  • 1893: The historic Marion County Courthouse was built in Jasper.
  • 1910: The population of Marion County reached its peak at around 17,500.
  • 1970: The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) constructed the Sequatchie Valley Skyway, connecting Marion County to surrounding regions.
  • 1997: The Tennessee Aquarium, located in Chattanooga near the Marion County border, opened and became a popular attraction.