Civil War in Sumner County
Historical marker location:Living in Desperate Times
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.
In 1786, Sumner County was officially established, becoming one of the first counties in Tennessee. The county was named after Revolutionary War hero, General Jethro Sumner. The early settlers faced many challenges, including conflicts with Native Americans and the harsh wilderness. However, they persevered, and by the early 1800s, Sumner County had become a thriving agricultural community, known for its production of tobacco, corn, and livestock.
During the Civil War, Sumner County played a significant role as a strategic location between the Union and Confederate forces. Several skirmishes and battles took place in the area, including the Battle of Hartsville and the Battle of Gallatin. The war brought destruction and hardship to the county, but it also led to the emancipation of enslaved individuals and brought about social and economic changes.
In the decades that followed, Sumner County experienced growth and transformation. The expansion of railroads and the development of industries such as lumber, textiles, and manufacturing spurred economic prosperity. Today, Sumner County is known for its historical significance, beautiful landscapes, and a thriving community that blends the charm of the past with modern amenities and opportunities.
Sumner County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Sumner County, Tennessee.
- 1786 - Sumner County is established as one of Tennessee's original counties.
- 1794 - Gallatin becomes the county seat of Sumner County.
- 1812 - The County Courthouse in Gallatin is destroyed by fire.
- 1820 - A new County Courthouse is constructed in Gallatin.
- 1862 - During the American Civil War, Union and Confederate forces clash near Gallatin.
- 1901 - The Tennessee Central Railway is completed, connecting Sumner County to Nashville and other major cities.
- 1974 - The county experiences significant damage from an F3 tornado.
- 2010 - The population of Sumner County surpasses 160,000 residents.