Historical Marker

Floyd County Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
100 East Main Street, Floyd, Virginia
( Memorial is at the intersection of East Main Street (U.S. 221) and North Locust Street (Virginia Route 8), on the left when traveling east on East Main Street.)
Marker installed: 1904

  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.
Virginia was home to some of the earliest organized resistance to British rule, with the formation of the Sons of Liberty in the mid-1760s.
Virginia random facts
Floyd County, Virginia, is located in the southwestern part of the state and has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Shawnee. European settlers began arriving in the late 1700s, primarily of Scots-Irish descent, and established farms and communities.

One of the key events in Floyd County's history was the establishment of the town of Floyd in 1831. The town grew rapidly due to its convenient location along the Old Wilderness Road, which was a major transportation route at the time. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further spurred economic growth and development in the county.

Floyd County also played a role in the Civil War. Although the county experienced relatively little fighting, it was affected by the conflict as soldiers from the area fought for both the Union and Confederacy. The county also served as a strategic supply route for Confederate forces.

In the later years of the 20th century, Floyd County experienced a resurgence as part of the larger Appalachian cultural revival. The county's natural beauty, arts and crafts, and traditional music drew visitors from around the country, leading to an increase in tourism and the establishment of various cultural festivals. Today, Floyd County remains a vibrant community that embraces its rich history while also embracing new opportunities for growth and progress.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Floyd County, Virginia.

  • 1770 - Floyd County is formed from Montgomery county
  • 1800s - The county's economy is primarily agricultural with tobacco and wheat farming
  • late 1800s - The Norfolk and Western Railway is established, boosting the local economy
  • early 1900s - Mining becomes an important industry, particularly for copper and iron ore
  • 1938 - Floyd County High School is built
  • 1960s - The county experiences a population decline due to the decline of the coal mining industry
  • 1970s - Tourism and craft industries begin to flourish
  • 1997 - The town of Floyd is officially incorporated
  • 2008 - The Floyd Country Store becomes a popular venue for live music and traditional Appalachian music