Historical Marker

Sevierville

Historical marker location:
103 W Main St, Sevierville, Tennessee
( Marker is at the intersection of Court Avenue and West Main Street (U.S. 411), on the left when traveling north on Court Avenue.)

Civil War Skirmish

  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 is like an interactive documentary about America!
Roy Blount Jr. in Life in the South
Sevier County, Tennessee, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee, who established settlements along the banks of the Little Pigeon River. European explorers, including Spanish and French expeditions, first encountered the region in the 16th and 17th centuries.

In the late 18th century, settlers from the eastern United States began to migrate to the area, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources. John Sevier, a Revolutionary War hero, played a significant role in the early development of the county. He served as the first governor of Tennessee and the county's namesake.

Sevier County saw rapid growth and development in the 19th century, driven by industries such as farming, logging, and mining. The establishment of the Little River Lumber Company in the early 1900s led to the logging boom, and the town of Townsend became a hub of timber activity. However, the devastating effects of deforestation and overlogging led to the decline of the timber industry in the mid-20th century.

The late 20th century saw the rise of tourism as the main industry in Sevier County. The opening of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1934 attracted visitors from all over the country, and the construction of the Gatlinburg Sky Lift and Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort further increased tourism in the area. Today, Sevier County is known as a popular vacation destination, offering outdoor recreation, scenic beauty, and attractions such as Dollywood, owned by country music star Dolly Parton.

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

  • 1783 - Sevier County is established by the State of North Carolina.
  • 1794 - The county is named after John Sevier, the first governor of Tennessee.
  • 1801 - The first courthouse is built in Sevierville, the county seat.
  • 1861-1865 - Sevier County is divided during the American Civil War, with some residents supporting the Confederacy and others supporting the Union.
  • 1900s - Tourism begins to develop in Sevier County, with the opening of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1934.
  • 1982 - Dollywood, a theme park owned by Dolly Parton, opens in Pigeon Forge.