Anderson County in the Civil War
ANDERSON COUNTY
IN THE CIVIL WAR
AFTER THE CREATION OF ANDERSON COUNTY IN 1846, MOST SETTLERS CAME FROM SOUTHERN STATES, SHAPING THE COUNTY’S DESTINY IN THE CIVIL WAR. WHEN TEXAS BECAME THE SEVENTH STATE TO SECEDE FROM THE UNION ON MARCH 2, 1861, THE COUNTY VOTE, 870 TO 15, WAS OVERWHELMINGLY IN FAVOR OF SECESSION. NOTABLE CITIZENS JOHN H. REAGAN, A. T. RAINEY, S. G. STEWART AND T. J. WORD WERE DELEGATES TO THE SECESSION CONVENTION IN AUSTIN, AND RAINEY AND REAGAN SIGNED THE TEXAS ORDINANCE OF SECESSION. BEFORE THE VOTE, GOVERNOR SAM HOUSTON SPOKE AGAINST SECESSION ON THE STEPS OF THE OSCEOLA HOTEL IN PALESTINE.
MORE THAN 1,100 ANDERSON COUNTIANS HELPED FORM TWELVE INFANTRY AND CAVALRY COMPANIES FOR THE CONFEDERATE ARMY, INCLUDING SEVEN COMPANIES ENTIRELY OF LOCAL MEN. MORE THAN 300 DIED IN THE WAR AND ARE BURIED AT FAMED BATTLEFIELDS FROM NEW MEXICO TO PENNSYLVANIA. THOSE ON THE HOME FRONT CONTRIBUTED GREATLY TO THE WAR EFFORT. FACTORIES NEAR MOUND PRAIRIE AND PLENITUDE PRODUCED FLOUR, CLOTH, RIFLES, AMMUNITION, TIN GOODS, SHOES, HARNESSES, BRIDLES, AND OTHER LEATHER GOODS. THE SALT WORKS WEST OF PALESTINE FILLED A NEED FOR FOOD AND MEAT PRESERVATION. LADIES KNITTED SOCKS AND BLANKETS AND SEWED SHIRTS AND TROUSERS BOUND FOR THE WAR FRONT. THE HUNTER HOTEL SERVED AS A MAKESHIFT HOSPITAL, HOSTING MEN OF THE 10TH TEXAS INFANTRY IN MAY 1862; NINE OF THEM ULTIMATELY SUCCUMBED TO THEIR WOUNDS AND ILLNESSES AND WERE BURIED IN THE OLD CITY CEMETERY.
SEVERAL CITIZENS SERVED LEADING ROLES IN THE CONFEDERACY, INCLUDING REAGAN, WHO WAS POSTMASTER GENERAL AND TREASURY SECRETARY OF THE GOVERNMENT AT RICHMOND. HE AND CONFEDERATE PRESIDENT JEFFERSON DAVIS WERE CAPTURED TOGETHER AT THE CLOSE OF THE WAR. ANDERSON COUNTY IS THE FINAL RESTING PLACE OF MORE THAN 500 VETERANS FROM ALL ACROSS THE SOUTH, AND THE PRESENT HOME OF THOUSANDS OF DESCENDANTS OF THOSE VETERANS
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.
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
The county's economy flourished with the arrival of immigrants from the United States and Europe, who established plantations and worked in the timber industry. The town of Palestine, the county seat, developed as a vibrant agricultural center, known for its cotton production. The construction of railroads in the late 19th century further boosted the county's economic growth. However, Anderson County also had its share of challenges.
Like many other areas of Texas, it witnessed tensions and conflicts during the American Civil War, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. Reconstruction was a difficult period for the county, as it endured economic decline and political instability.
In the 20th century, Anderson County experienced significant changes and modernization. The discovery of oil reserves in the early 1930s brought economic prosperity to the region. The establishment of the Texas Department of Corrections in the county in 1849 also played a major role in shaping the county's history, as it became home to several state prisons and correctional facilities. Today, Anderson County is known for its diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
The region's rich history is evident in its numerous historic sites and landmarks, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in Texas history and culture.
Anderson County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Anderson County, Texas.
- 1836: Anderson County is established on March 24, 1836, as one of the original counties of the Republic of Texas.
- 1838: The town of Palestine is established as the county seat of Anderson County.
- 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, the county's economy is severely affected, and many locals serve in the Confederate Army.
- Late 1800s: The arrival of the railroad in Palestine brings growth and development to Anderson County, making it an important transportation hub.
- Early 1900s: The discovery of oil in the area leads to an economic boom, with various oil fields and refineries being established.
- 1930-1940: The Great Depression and the drought of the 1930s bring significant challenges to Anderson County, leading to decreased economic activity and population decrease.
- Late 20th century: Anderson County experiences shifts in its economy with the decline of the oil industry. Agriculture becomes an important sector, with the county known for its timber, poultry, and cattle production.
- 2000s: Anderson County continues to strive for economic growth and development, focusing on diversified industries, including manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.