Historical Marker

Tipton County in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
Covington, Tennessee
( Marker is at the intersection of East Pleasant Avenue (Tennessee Route 54) and East Court Square, on the left when traveling east on East Pleasant Avenue.)

Behind the Lines

  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 largest underground lake in the United States is located in Tennessee. The Lost Sea, located in Sweetwater, Tennessee, covers over four acres and is home to a variety of unusual creatures, including blind fish and crayfish.
Tennessee random facts
Tipton County, located in the southwestern part of Tennessee, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Chickasaw and Shawnee, who relied on the fertile land for agriculture and hunting.

The county was established in 1823 and named after Captain Jacob Tipton, a soldier who fought in the Battle of Fallen Timbers during the Northwest Indian War. The early settlers in Tipton County were primarily farmers who took advantage of the rich soil and favorable climate to grow cotton, corn, and other crops. The area quickly prospered, and by the mid-1800s, Tipton County had become a center of commerce and trade.

During the Civil War, Tipton County was a site of significant military activity. Confederate and Union forces both occupied the area at different times, leading to a number of battles and skirmishes. The Battle of Munford in 1863, for example, resulted in a Union victory and marked a turning point in the region's history.

In the post-war years, Tipton County focused on rebuilding and recovering from the devastation of the conflict. The economy gradually diversified, with the rise of industries such as lumber production, railroad construction, and manufacturing. Today, Tipton County remains a thriving community with a mix of agriculture, industry, and residential areas, and it continues to honor its historic roots through museums, landmarks, and events.

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

  • 1823 - Tipton County is established on October 29.
  • 1836 - Covington becomes the county seat.
  • 1861-1865 - Tipton County residents fight in the American Civil War.
  • 1878 - The Memphis and Paducah Railroad reaches Covington.
  • 1901 - The Covington Leader newspaper is established.
  • 1937 - The National Guard Armory is built in Covington.
  • 1955 - The Tipton County Museum is established.
  • 1989 - The Mississippi River floods Tipton County.
  • 1996 - Tipton County Fairgrounds opens in Covington.
  • 2002 - The Tipton County Veterans Museum opens in Covington.
  • 2011 - The Tipton County Courthouse undergoes renovations.