Historical Marker

Clarksville in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
128 Public Square, Clarksville, Tennessee
( Marker is at the intersection of Public Square and Main Street, in the median on Public Square.)

Changing Hands

  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
Montgomery County, located in the state of Tennessee, has a rich and diverse history. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Chickasaw, until European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century. In 1780, James Robertson established the first settlement, known as the Old Town, near what is now known as Port Royal State Park.

The county was officially formed in 1796 and named in honor of John Montgomery, a soldier who fought in the American Revolutionary War. It quickly became an important transportation hub, with the Red River and the newly constructed Cumberland River providing easy access for trade and commerce. In 1804, the city of Clarksville, named after General George Rogers Clark, was established as the county seat.

During the Civil War, Montgomery County played a significant role. Located along the Cumberland River, Clarksville was a strategic point for both Union and Confederate forces. The area saw numerous skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Fort Donelson in nearby Stewart County. The city was occupied by Union troops for much of the war, serving as a supply depot and base of operations.

After the war, Montgomery County experienced significant growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further enhanced the county's economic prospects. Industries such as tobacco processing, furniture manufacturing, and clothing production flourished. In the early 20th century, Austin Peay State College (now Austin Peay State University) was established in Clarksville, making it an educational center in the region.

Today, Montgomery County is a thriving community with a diverse economy, vibrant arts and culture scene, and a strong military presence due to the nearby Fort Campbell Army base. The county's historical significance remains evident in its many historic sites and landmarks, preserving its past and serving as a reminder of the rich history that shaped the area.

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

  • 1796 - Montgomery County was established on December 17 as part of the State of Tennessee.
  • 1797 - The town of Clarksville was founded as the county seat.
  • 1825 - The county's population reached 7,657 residents.
  • 1861-1865 - Montgomery County, like many areas in Tennessee, was heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
  • 1890 - Montgomery County's population grew to 30,126.
  • 1926 - Austin Peay State Teachers College (now Austin Peay State University) was established in Clarksville.
  • 1950s-1960s - Montgomery County experienced significant population growth due to the establishment of Fort Campbell military base.
  • 1978 - Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library opened its doors.
  • 1980 - The county's population reached 98,371.
  • 1999 - The county celebrated its bicentennial anniversary.
  • 2021 - Montgomery County continues to grow and develop, with a population of over 208,000 residents.