Historical Marker

Pamunkey Indians In The Civil War

Historical marker location:
Manquin, Virginia
( Marker is on Richmond Tappahannock Highway (U.S. 360) 0.2 miles east of Acquinton Church Road (Virginia Route 618), on the right when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 2016

  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 is home to the oldest continuously operating legislative body in the Western Hemisphere, the Virginia General Assembly, which was established in 1619.
Virginia random facts
King William County, located in the Commonwealth of Virginia, has a rich history that dates back to the early 17th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mattaponi and Pamunkey tribes, who lived off the land and navigated the rivers for trade and transportation.

In 1702, the county was officially formed and named after King William III and Queen Mary II of England. The county became an important agricultural and trade center, relying heavily on tobacco cultivation. Plantations sprouted, and African slaves were brought to these lands to work on plantations and contribute to the growing economy.

During the American Revolution, the county played a significant role in the fight for independence. Many residents joined the Continental Army, and King William County witnessed several battles and skirmishes throughout the war. Notably, the Battle of Green Spring took place in the county, showcasing the fierce fighting spirit of the residents.

In the years following the revolution, King William County faced many challenges, such as the decline of tobacco prices and the rise of other crops like wheat. The county also experienced the effects of the Civil War, with battles fought nearby at Cold Harbor and Gaines' Mill. Despite these setbacks, King William County rebuilt and continued to develop, with agriculture remaining a vital part of its economy.

Today, King William County preserves its historical significance through landmarks such as the historic courthouse, which was built in 1725 and still stands as the oldest courthouse in continuous use in the United States. The county also proudly celebrates its Native American heritage, with the Mattaponi and Pamunkey tribes contributing to the fabric of the community.

King William County, Virginia, is a place where history and culture intertwine, reminding residents and visitors alike of the importance of the past in shaping the present.

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

  • 1677 - King William County is established in the Colony of Virginia.
  • 1691 - The county becomes part of the newly formed Dominion of Virginia.
  • 1738 - The county seat is established at King William, named after King William III of England.
  • 1776 - King William County residents support the American Revolution and participate in the fight for independence.
  • 1800s - The economy relies heavily on agriculture, particularly tobacco and corn production.
  • 1861 - King William County citizens take part in the Civil War, with some serving in the Confederate Army.
  • 1865 - The war ends, and King William County faces the challenges of Reconstruction.
  • Late 19th and early 20th centuries - The county experiences periods of economic growth and technological advancements, including the introduction of railroads.
  • 1950s onwards - King William County undergoes desegregation and the civil rights movement.
  • Present - King William County continues to grow and develop, with a diverse economy and a rich historical heritage.