Historical Marker

Civil War in Marshall County

Historical marker location:
Lewisburg, Tennessee
( Marker is at the intersection of West Church Street and North 1st Avenue, on the left when traveling west on West Church Street.)

Marker
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© OpenStreetMap contributors

The Courthouse Square

  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 Battle of Stones River, fought near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, during the Civil War, was one of the bloodiest battles of the conflict. It resulted in over 23,000 casualties, including over 3,000 deaths.
Tennessee random facts
Marshall County, Tennessee, located in the southern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Chickasaw, who relied on the fertile land along the Duck River for sustenance. However, in the early 19th century, European settlers began to encroach on their land.

In 1836, Marshall County was officially established, named after Chief Justice John Marshall. The county quickly grew as more settlers arrived, attracted by the fertile soil and opportunities for farming. Agriculture became the backbone of the local economy, with cotton, tobacco, and livestock becoming major industries. The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s further stimulated economic growth, as it provided better access to markets and attracted new businesses.

During the American Civil War, Marshall County played a significant role. As a border county, it experienced both Union and Confederate control throughout the conflict. The Battle of Thompson's Station, fought in 1863, saw Confederate forces led by General Earl Van Dorn clash with Union troops under General Gordon Granger. The Union ultimately prevailed, and the battle had a lasting impact on the county, with many local buildings used as hospitals for wounded soldiers.

In the years following Reconstruction, Marshall County faced challenges but also experienced progress and modernization. The construction of dams along the Duck River in the early 20th century brought hydroelectric power to the area, improving the quality of life for residents. Today, Marshall County continues to thrive as a diverse community, with a combination of agriculture, manufacturing, and small businesses providing economic stability. The county's historical significance and natural beauty make it an attractive destination for tourists and a place with a deep sense of pride among its residents.

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

  • 1807 - Marshall County is established.
  • 1817 - The county courthouse is constructed.
  • 1836 - The county seat is moved from Cornersville to Lewisburg.
  • 1840 - The first census of Marshall County is conducted.
  • 1861-1865 - Marshall County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1865 - The Battle of Henryville takes place during the Civil War.
  • 1924 - The Lewisburg Railroad Depot is built.
  • 1939 - Henry Horton State Park opens, attracting visitors to the county.
  • 1998 - The Marshall County Courthouse burns down due to a fire.
  • 2006 - The new Marshall County Courthouse is completed and dedicated.