Historical Marker

Civil War

Historical marker location:
210 Oyster Rd, Urbanna, Virginia
( Marker is on Oyster Road, 0.1 miles north of Virginia Street (Virginia Route 602), on the right when traveling north.)

Urbanna, Virginia. The Museum in the Streets®

  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 Virginia Company, a joint-stock company that funded the Jamestown colony, was the first company to be traded on the London Stock Exchange.
Virginia random facts
Middlesex County, Virginia has a long and rich history that dates back to the early 17th century. The county was formed in 1669 after being split from Lancaster County, and it is named after the county of Middlesex in England. Positioned along the banks of the Chesapeake Bay and the Rappahannock River, the area played a significant role in the colonial era and the subsequent development of the United States.

During the colonial period, Middlesex County was primarily rural and reliant on agriculture, with tobacco being the primary cash crop. It was also home to many plantations, which were worked by enslaved Africans brought to the region. Over time, the county became known for its large estates and wealthy landowners.

Throughout the Revolutionary War, Middlesex County was an active participant. Its location along the Chesapeake Bay made it a crucial hub for trade and communication, and it also served as a base for privateering, a practice in which privately owned vessels were authorized to attack enemy ships. The county played a role in the Battle of Yorktown, which led to the British surrender and the end of the war.

In the 19th century, Middlesex County saw economic and social changes. The decline of tobacco as a cash crop led to a shift towards other agricultural products like corn and wheat. Additionally, advancements in transportation, such as the construction of the railroad, helped bring increased prosperity to the county. Middlesex County also experienced notable military involvement during the American Civil War, with its location once again proving strategically valuable.

Today, Middlesex County continues to be a predominantly rural area. It is known for its scenic waterfront views, including the historic Christ Church located in Irvington. Although the county has seen changes and developments over the centuries, its rich history and connection to the early days of America still make it a fascinating part of Virginia's heritage.

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

  • 1673 - Middlesex County is established as a county in the Colony of Virginia.
  • 1675 - The county's first courthouse, Middlesex Old Courthouse, is built.
  • 1702 - Christ Church parish is established in Middlesex County.
  • 1724 - The county seat is moved from Middlesex Old Courthouse to Saluda.
  • 1735 - Christ Church is completed and becomes the oldest Anglican church in continuous use in the United States.
  • 1781 - During the American Revolutionary War, Middlesex County is occupied by British troops.
  • 1793 - The county seat is moved from Saluda to Urbanna.
  • 1821 - The Virginia General Assembly grants Urbanna town status.
  • 1861-1865 - Middlesex County experiences significant damage during the American Civil War.
  • 1937 - The New Middlesex County Courthouse is built, replacing the old one in Urbanna.
  • 1952 - The present Middlesex County Courthouse is constructed in Saluda.
  • 1985 - The Middlesex County Museum is established in Saluda.