Historical Marker

Civil War in Tennessee

Historical marker location:
Buffalo Valley, Tennessee
( Marker can be reached from Interstate 40 at milepost 266, on the right when traveling west.)

Partisan Warfare

  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 site of the first commercial nuclear power plant in the United States. The Tennessee Valley Authority's Watts Bar Nuclear Plant began operating in 1996 and remains in operation today.
Tennessee random facts
Putnam County, TN is located in the northern part of Tennessee and has a rich history that spans centuries. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee and Shawnee, the area was later explored and settled by European settlers in the late 18th century. The county was officially established in 1842, named after General Israel Putnam, a hero of the American Revolutionary War.

In the early years, agriculture played a significant role in Putnam County's economy, with crops like tobacco, corn, and wheat being the primary focus. The construction of the Cumberland Turnpike, a major trade route, in the early 19th century further facilitated economic growth and development in the region. As more settlers moved to the area, small towns and communities began to emerge.

During the Civil War, Putnam County saw its fair share of conflict. Being located on the border between the Union and Confederate regions, the area experienced both Union and Confederate occupation at different times throughout the war. The Battle of Dugger's Ferry, fought in May 1863, was an important skirmish that took place in Putnam County. Despite the hardships of war, the county began to recover and rebuild in the post-war years.

In the 20th century, Putnam County experienced significant growth and development. The construction of major highways, such as U.S. Route 70 and Interstate 40, improved transportation connectivity and sparked economic progress. Education also became a cornerstone, with the establishment of Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, the county seat, in 1915. Today, Putnam County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a diverse economy, a strong educational system, and a rich cultural heritage.

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

  • 1761 - Putnam County is established as part of the Cherokee Indian territory in what is now Tennessee.
  • 1784 - The land that would become Putnam County is ceded to the United States government by the Cherokee Nation.
  • 1796 - Tennessee becomes the 16th state in the Union, and Putnam County is part of the new state.
  • 1842 - Putnam County is officially designated as a county by the Tennessee General Assembly.
  • 1901 - Tennessee Technological University, then known as Dixie College, is founded in Cookeville, the county seat of Putnam County.
  • 1930s - The construction of Center Hill Dam begins on the Caney Fork River, creating Center Hill Lake, which would later become a popular recreational area in Putnam County.
  • 1997 - A tornado outbreak devastates Putnam County and other parts of Middle Tennessee, causing extensive damage and loss of life.
  • 2010 - The population of Putnam County reaches over 72,000 people.
  • 2020 - Putnam County is hit by a deadly tornado that causes significant destruction and loss of life.