Historical Marker

Civil War in Polk County

Historical marker location:
Benton, Tennessee
( Marker is at the intersection of Benton Station Road and Ward Street, on the right when traveling west on Benton Station Road.)

A Divided Land

  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.
Tennessee was the last state to secede from the Union during the Civil War. It joined the Confederacy in June 1861, but a significant portion of its population remained loyal to the Union, leading to a bitter and divided conflict within the state.
Tennessee random facts
Polk County, located in the southeastern part of Tennessee, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was home to Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, who inhabited the region long before European settlers arrived. The first European explorers, led by Hernando de Soto in the 16th century, explored the area and interacted with the native inhabitants.

In 1839, Polk County was officially formed and named after President James K. Polk. It was carved out of neighboring Bradley County, and the county seat was established in Benton. The economy of the county initially relied on agriculture, with crops such as corn, tobacco, and fruit trees being grown. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century further boosted economic growth, allowing better transportation for goods and people.

During the Civil War, Polk County faced significant hardships as it was deeply divided between pro-Union and pro-Confederate sentiments. Multiple skirmishes and battles took place in the area, including the Battle of Athens in 1863. After the war, the county faced the challenging process of reconstruction and rebuilding.

In the 20th century, Polk County experienced further development and growth with the construction of the Ocoee Dam No. 1, which contributed to the rise of hydroelectric power and the creation of recreational opportunities in the region. Today, Polk County continues to thrive as a picturesque and rural area known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and historical legacy.

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

  • 1801: Polk County established as a separate county from Bradley County.
  • 1839: The county seat is established in Benton.
  • 1865: End of the American Civil War and the Reconstruction era begins.
  • 1895: Establishment of the Polk County Courthouse in Benton.
  • 1936: Construction of the Ocoee Dam creates the Ocoee River.
  • 1950: The population of Polk County reaches its peak at over 15,000 residents.
  • 1976: Part of the Ocoee River is designated a National Wild and Scenic River.
  • 1983: Completion of the Ocoee Whitewater Center for the 1996 Summer Olympics.
  • 1998: The Ocoee River is designated a United States Olympic Training Site for whitewater slalom.