Historical Marker

Additional Area Civil War Sites

Historical marker location:
Leesburg, Virginia
( Marker is on Ball's Bluff Road, on the right when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 2009

  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.
Richmond, Virginia, served as the capital of the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
Virginia random facts
Loudoun County, Virginia has a rich history that dates back to the early colonial era. In the 17th century, the land that would become Loudoun County was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Algonquian-speaking Tribes. European settlers began arriving in the late 17th century, with the formation of Fairfax County in 1742, which encompassed present-day Loudoun County.

The first recorded European settlement in Loudoun County was in 1728, when Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, established a land grant named "Leeds Manor." In the following decades, other settlers arrived and began establishing towns and communities. The county was officially established in 1757 and named after John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun, a Scottish nobleman and military commander.

During the American Revolution, Loudoun County played a significant role. Notable Revolutionary War figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe had connections to the area. The county was a largely agricultural region, known for its wheat and tobacco production.

In the 19th century, Loudoun County experienced economic diversification with the growth of industries like milling and manufacturing. The construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and the arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s helped connect Loudoun County to larger markets, stimulating further economic development. However, the Civil War presented challenges for the county as it witnessed significant destruction and division.

In the 20th century, Loudoun County underwent substantial transformations. The expansion of the federal government and the construction of major highways, including the Dulles Toll Road, facilitated population growth and the development of suburbs. Today, Loudoun County is known for its rapid urbanization, high-tech industry, and excellent quality of life, with a balance between its historical roots and modern progress.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Loudoun County, Virginia.

  • 1757 - Loudoun County is established by an act of the Virginia General Assembly.
  • 1774 - During the American Revolutionary War, Loudoun County residents support the patriot cause and contribute troops.
  • 1812 - The county experiences economic growth due to the War of 1812, supplying goods to the military.
  • 1861-1865 - Loudoun County is divided during the American Civil War, with portions controlled by both Union and Confederate forces.
  • 1900-1950 - Agriculture and dairy farming dominate the county's economy, with many residents engaged in these industries.
  • 1962 - Dulles International Airport is established, transforming the county and supporting economic growth.
  • 1980s - Residential and commercial development begins to increase, leading to population growth and urbanization.
  • 2000s - Loudoun County becomes one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States, with a focus on technology and data centers.