Historical Marker

Civil War In Mathews County

Historical marker location:
17 Court St, Mathews, Virginia
( Marker is at the intersection of Court Street (Virginia Route 1002) and Church Street (Virginia Route 611), on the right when traveling south on Court Street.)
Marker installed: 2014

Confederate Soldiers and Sailors

  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
Mathews County, located in the state of Virginia, has a rich and fascinating history that spans several centuries. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Powhatan Confederacy, before the arrival of European settlers. In the early 17th century, English colonists led by Captain John Smith explored and established a presence in the region.

Mathews County was officially established in 1791, named after Thomas Mathews, a prominent figure in the Revolutionary War. During the 19th century, the county thrived due to its agricultural and maritime industries. Farms produced tobacco, corn, and wheat, while the Chesapeake Bay provided a bustling hub for fishing and oystering. The county also became known for its shipbuilding industry, with many vessels constructed along the waterfront.

The Civil War greatly impacted Mathews County, as it fell under Union control early on in the conflict. The county's location along the Chesapeake Bay made it strategically significant, and Union forces used it as a base for their operations. However, the local residents, many of whom were sympathetic to the Confederate cause, faced various challenges and tensions during this time.

In the 20th century, Mathews County witnessed a shift from agriculture to tourism and residential development. Its scenic beauty, with numerous rivers and wetlands, attracted visitors seeking to explore the outdoors. Today, Mathews County continues to be a charming coastal community with a deep appreciation for its history and natural surroundings.

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

  • Created in 1791 from Gloucester County
  • Named after Thomas Mathews, a judge and Revolutionary War officer
  • Originally an agricultural community, primarily focused on tobacco and fishing industries
  • During the Civil War, the county was occupied by Union forces and suffered significant damage
  • In the late 19th century, tourism became an important industry for the county
  • The county's first public high school was established in 1911
  • In the 20th century, the county experienced modernization and infrastructure development
  • Today, Mathews County is known for its scenic beauty, friendly community, and rich maritime history