Confederates of Jackson County
Historical marker location:From 1860 population of 2612 came more than 100 Civil War soldiers, one an infantryman on a crutch: M. K. Simons, a Mexican war amputee, brigade quartermaster, 2nd Texas infantry, C. S. A.
Officers included Capt. C. L. Owen, veteran of the Texas Revolution and Mexican war; killed at Shiloh in 1862.
Composed chiefly of Jackson County men were Co. D, 1st Texas Cavalry; Co. K, 2nd Texas Infantry; and Co. M, 27th Texas Cavalry (Whitfield's Legion). Jackson men were also in other units, including Confederate marines and Terry's Texas Rangers, and saw much of war's greatest action
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 history of Jackson County is closely tied to significant events in the development of Texas. In 1821, the area became part of the newly independent Mexico, and Stephen F. Austin, known as the "Father of Texas," received a land grant in what is now Jackson County. The first Anglo-American settlers arrived in the 1820s and began establishing communities, such as Texana and La Placita, which would later become the county seat, Jackson County.
During the Texas Revolution, Jackson County served as an important site for the Texian forces. The Battle of Dimitt's Landing took place in Jackson County, where Texian rebels launched an attack on a Mexican garrison, leading to their retreat. The county also witnessed the playing of the "The Yellow Rose of Texas," a popular folk song believed to have originated during the Battle of San Jacinto.
By the mid-19th century, Jackson County experienced significant growth due to the expansion of the railroad industry and the discovery of oil and gas reserves. Towns like Edna sprung up as trade and transportation centers for the area's agricultural and industrial activities. Today, Jackson County continues to thrive economically with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and energy production.
Throughout its history, Jackson County has played a prominent role in Texas' development, from its early days as a Mexican territory to its contributions in the Texas Revolution and its subsequent growth and prosperity in the 19th and 20th centuries. The county's rich history is reflected in its museums, historical sites, and the legacy of its residents who have shaped the community over the years.
Jackson County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Jackson County, Texas.
- 1829 - Jackson County is established as part of Mexico's Coahuila y Tejas state.
- 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico, and Jackson County becomes part of the Republic of Texas.
- 1837 - Jackson County is officially organized as a county.
- 1845 - Texas is admitted to the United States, and Jackson County becomes one of its counties.
- 1850s - The county experiences rapid growth due to the arrival of settlers, primarily from southern states.
- 1861-1865 - Jackson County is heavily involved in the American Civil War, with some residents supporting the Confederacy.
- 1875 - The first railroad, the New York, Texas and Mexican Railway, reaches Jackson County, boosting the local economy.
- 1886 - The county seat is moved from Texana to Edna.
- 1900 - The 1900 Galveston hurricane causes significant damage and loss of life in Jackson County.
- 1920s-1930s - The discovery of oil leads to a boom in Jackson County's economy.
- 1940s-1950s - The county experiences a decline in agriculture as the oil industry becomes the primary economic driver.
- 1970s-Present - Jackson County continues to rely on the oil and gas industry, while also diversifying its economy with manufacturing and agriculture.