Historical Marker

Civil War Skirmish

Historical marker location:
Palmersville, Tennessee
( Marker is at the intersection of Tennessee Route 190 at milepost 34 and West New Hope Church Road, on the right when traveling north on State Route 190.)

May 6, 1862

  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.

The famous Battle of Franklin during the Civil War was one of the deadliest battles of the conflict. It took place on November 30, 1864, and resulted in over 8,000 casualties, including over 2,000 deaths.
Tennessee random facts
Weakley County is located in the northwest corner of Tennessee and has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. The county was established on October 21, 1823, and was named after Colonel Robert Weakley, a prominent figure in Tennessee politics. The area was originally inhabited by the Chickasaw and Cherokee Native American tribes, but settlement by European-Americans began in the late 1810s.

The county's early economy was mainly agricultural, with cotton as the primary crop. This led to the establishment of numerous plantations and enslaved labor. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century brought increased economic opportunities, allowing for the transportation of goods and boosting the county's growth. Weakley County played a significant role in the Civil War, with both Union and Confederate troops occupying the area at different times.

After the war, Weakley County experienced a shift towards diversification, and agriculture began to include a wider range of crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat. The discovery of oil in the county in the early 20th century further stimulated its economy. With improved transportation infrastructure, including the introduction of paved roads and the construction of bridges, Weakley County continued to flourish.

Today, Weakley County remains an important agricultural region, with farming as a vital part of the local economy. The county is also home to several educational institutions, including the University of Tennessee at Martin, contributing to its educational and cultural development. With a blend of historical significance and modern amenities, Weakley County continues to offer its residents and visitors a unique and diverse experience.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Weakley County, Tennessee.

  • 1802: Weakley County is established as a county in Tennessee.
  • 1821: Dresden becomes the county seat of Weakley County.
  • 1848: The Tennessee Conference Female Institute, later known as Graham College, is founded in Dresden.
  • 1862: Weakley County is occupied by Union forces during the Civil War.
  • 1879: The Tennessee Industrial School, later known as the University of Tennessee at Martin, is founded in Martin.
  • 1927: The first hospital in Weakley County, the Boling Hospital, is established in Martin.
  • 1945: The Weakley County Electric System is formed to provide electricity to residents.
  • 1950: The population of Weakley County reaches its peak at over 30,000 residents.
  • 1967: Weakley County General Hospital is opened in Dresden.
  • 1983: Weakley County becomes home to the West Tennessee Solar Farm, one of the largest solar power plants in the state.
  • 1991: The Tennessee Soybean Festival is established in Martin, celebrating the importance of soybeans to the local economy.
  • 2019: Weakley County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.