Historical Marker

Civil War in Tennessee

Historical marker location:
6111 Lake Springs Road, Portland, Tennessee
( Marker can be reached from Interstate 65 at milepost 120, on the right when traveling south.)

Invaders, North and South

  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.
The first recorded gold rush in the United States occurred in Tennessee in the early 19th century. The discovery of gold in the state's Cherokee lands sparked a rush of settlers and miners hoping to strike it rich.
Tennessee random facts
Robertson County, located in Middle Tennessee, has a rich history dating back to the early 18th century. It was initially populated by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Shawnee. However, European settlers arrived in the area in the late 18th century, leading to conflicts with the native inhabitants. One of the earliest European settlers was Christopher Robertson, the county's namesake, who arrived in 1779 and established a fort.

During the early years of settlement, Robertson County faced numerous challenges, including attacks from Native American tribes and the harsh environmental conditions of the region. However, as the community grew, it became an important center for agriculture, with tobacco and cotton being major cash crops. The county also benefited from the construction of railroads in the 19th century, facilitating trade and further economic development.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Robertson County witnessed significant growth and change. The county played a role in the Civil War, with battles occurring in nearby areas. After the war, the county's economy diversified, and industries such as tobacco manufacturing and distilling flourished. The county's population continued to expand and its towns developed, with Springfield becoming the county seat.

In modern times, Robertson County remains an agricultural hub while also embracing industrial development. It is known for its strong community spirit and dedication to preserving its rich history. The county continues to thrive as a vibrant and growing community, offering its residents a mix of rural charm and urban amenities.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Robertson County, Tennessee.

  • 1796: Robertson County was established on April 9, 1796, as an original county of Tennessee.
  • 1810: Springfield was established as the county seat.
  • 1838: The town of Adams was founded.
  • 1861-1865: Robertson County played a significant role in the American Civil War, with battles and skirmishes taking place throughout the area.
  • 1902: The Sulphur Fork Bridge, a steel truss bridge, was constructed to span the Sulphur Fork Creek.
  • 1942-1945: During World War II, the Camp Tyson military training camp was established in Robertson County.
  • 1974: A tornado struck several areas of Robertson County, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1999: The Volunteer State Community College, a two-year college, was established in Robertson County.
  • 2020: Robertson County celebrated its 224th anniversary since its establishment.