Historical Marker

“Camp Fisher” Civil War Campsite

Historical marker location:
Dumfries, Virginia
( Marker is on Waterway Drive, on the right when traveling south.)
Marker installed: 2007

  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 known as the "Mother of Presidents" because eight U.S. presidents were born there. Additionally, two more presidents, William Henry Harrison and Zachary Taylor, were born in what is now Virginia before it became a state.
Virginia random facts
Prince William County, located in the Commonwealth of Virginia, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes before European settlers arrived in the 17th century. It was named after Prince William, Duke of Cumberland, who would later become King William IV of Britain.

During the American Revolution, Prince William County played a significant role. It was the site of several battles, including the Battle of Bull Run in 1861, which marked the first major land battle of the Civil War. The county was occupied by both Union and Confederate forces during the war, leading to considerable devastation and loss.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Prince William County saw significant agricultural growth, with tobacco, wheat, and corn being the primary crops. The expanding railway system in the region allowed for increased trade and transportation. However, the Great Depression caused a decline in the agricultural industry, leading many residents to seek employment elsewhere.

In recent decades, Prince William County has experienced rapid growth and urbanization. The construction of the Interstate 95 highway and the expansion of nearby Washington D.C. have contributed to its development. The county is now home to a diverse population, and its economy is driven by a mix of industries, including technology, defense, and government. The county also boasts numerous parks, historical sites, and cultural attractions, making it an appealing place to live and visit.

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

  • 1731 - Prince William County is created from Stafford County.
  • 1752 - Dumfries becomes the county seat.
  • 1774 - Brentsville replaces Dumfries as the county seat.
  • 1790 - Manassas is established as a town.
  • 1861 - Manassas becomes the site of the First Battle of Bull Run during the American Civil War.
  • 1870 - The county seat is moved again, this time to Brentsville.
  • 1894 - Manassas becomes an independent city, separate from Prince William County.
  • 1932 - The county seat is finally moved back to Manassas.
  • 1951 - Prince William County experiences significant population growth due to the construction of Quantico Marine Corps Base.
  • 1985 - The county becomes a part of the Washington metropolitan area.
  • 2000 - Prince William County becomes the second most populous county in Virginia, following Fairfax County.