Historical Marker

Civil War Action at Vienna

Historical marker location:
Vienna, Virginia
( Marker can be reached from Park Street (County Route 675), on the right when traveling north.)

  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 Virginia.
The Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, is located in Arlington, Virginia.
Virginia random facts
Fairfax County, located in the northern part of the Commonwealth of Virginia, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the 17th century. First settled by English colonists in the early 1600s, the area was home to Native American tribes such as the Doeg and Tauxenent. In 1742, Fairfax County was officially established and named after Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, who was the proprietor of the Northern Neck of Virginia.

During the American Revolution, Fairfax County played a significant role as it was strategically positioned between the new nation's capital, Philadelphia, and the southern colonies. George Washington, a resident of Mount Vernon in Fairfax County, played a vital role in the Revolution and would later become the nation's first president. The county also saw some military action, including the Battle of Brandywine, which occurred nearby in Pennsylvania.

In the 19th century, Fairfax County experienced growth and transformation. The construction of the Alexandria Canal in the early 1800s facilitated trade and transportation in the region. The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s brought further economic development and prompted the growth of towns and industries. However, like many areas in the country, it was deeply affected by the Civil War. Several significant battles, including the First and Second Battles of Manassas (Bull Run), were fought in the county, leaving a lasting impact.

In the 20th century, Fairfax County experienced rapid growth as a result of its proximity to Washington, D.C. The establishment of the Pentagon and other defense-related installations during World War II led to an influx of federal government workers and the expansion of business and industry. The county's population boomed, and it became a center for technology and innovation. Today, Fairfax County is a thriving suburban community, known for its vibrant economy, excellent schools, and diverse population.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Fairfax County, Virginia.

  • 1634 - Fairfax County was founded as part of the Northern Neck Proprietary
  • 1742 - Fairfax County was officially established by the Virginia colonial government
  • 1757 - The county courthouse was completed in present-day Fairfax
  • 1774 - Fairfax County became a hub of revolutionary activity
  • 1789 - George Washington's Mount Vernon estate became part of Fairfax County
  • 1861-1865 - Fairfax County was occupied by Union forces during the Civil War
  • 1959 - The Fairfax County Parkway was completed, improving transportation in the area
  • 1961 - The Tysons Corner Center, now one of the largest shopping malls in the United States, opened
  • 1980 - The Washington Metro's Orange Line opened, connecting Fairfax County to Washington, D.C.
  • 2010 - Fairfax County celebrated its 275th anniversary