Historical Marker

Civil War in Tennessee

Historical marker location:
I-26 Rest Area EB/WB MM 5, Erwin, Tennessee
( Marker is on Interstate 26 at milepost 5,, 0.2 miles east of Clearbranch Road, on the right when traveling north.)

War in the Mountains

  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 the mecca of country music.
Kid Rock in The Guardian
Unicoi County, Tennessee has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and the Shawnee. European settlers began to arrive in the late 1700s, and by the early 1800s, the region had become an important stop along the Great Indian Warpath.

The county was officially established in 1875 and was named after the Unicoi Turnpike, a major trade route that once ran through the area. The town of Erwin, which is now the county seat, was incorporated in 1879 and quickly grew as a result of the booming railroad industry.

Throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, Unicoi County experienced a period of economic prosperity due to its natural resources. Timber and minerals, such as coal and iron ore, were abundant in the area and provided employment opportunities for many residents. The Carolina, Clinchfield and Ohio Railway, which ran through the county, further contributed to the region's growth.

In more recent years, Unicoi County has focused on promoting its natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities. The county is home to the Cherokee National Forest, which attracts visitors with its hiking trails, camping sites, and scenic views. The Nolichucky River also offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and rafting. In addition, the county hosts an annual Apple Festival, celebrating the area's agricultural heritage.

Overall, Unicoi County, TN has a diverse history that reflects its Native American roots, early European settlement, industrial boom, and modern-day focus on nature tourism and community events.

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

  • 1796: Unicoi County is established as part of the Southwest Territory
  • 1799: The county is named after the Unaka Mountains
  • 1852: The town of Erwin is incorporated
  • 1861-1865: Unicoi County residents fight for both the Union and the Confederacy in the Civil War
  • 1875: The Clinchfield Railroad reaches Erwin, bringing economic growth
  • 1881: The town of Unicoi is incorporated
  • 1911: A major flood causes extensive damage to Unicoi County
  • 1929: Erwin becomes a major center for the production of rayon
  • 1932: The Erwin National Fish Hatchery is established
  • 1978: The Clinchfield No. 1 locomotive is designated a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark
  • 1985: Unicoi County celebrates its bicentennial
  • 2007: Nuclear Fuel Services announces plans to build a new facility in Erwin