Historical Marker

Rappahannock People Before and During the Civil War

Historical marker location:
3 Library Rd, Washington, Virginia
( Marker is at the intersection of Library Road (County Road 683) and Old Mill Road (County Road 683), on the left when traveling east on Library Road.)

  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 one of the original 13 colonies that declared independence from Great Britain in 1776.
Virginia random facts
Rappahannock County, Virginia has a rich history dating back to the early colonial period. The land on which the county sits was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Siouan-speaking Manahoac and the Algonquian-speaking Powhatan Confederacy. European settlers first arrived in the late 17th century, attracted by the fertile soil and natural resources of the area.

The county was officially established in 1833, carved out of Culpeper County. It was named after the Rappahannock River, which flows through its eastern border. Rappahannock County quickly developed an agricultural economy based on tobacco, corn, wheat, and livestock. Plantations were prevalent, and slavery played a significant role in the region's prosperity.

During the Civil War, Rappahannock County was strategically important as it sat between the Union and Confederate lines. Numerous skirmishes and battles were fought in the area, including the Battle of Rappahannock Station in 1863. The war had a devastating impact on the county, with many properties destroyed and the economy in decline.

In the years following the war, Rappahannock County faced numerous challenges, including the decline of agriculture and the Great Depression. However, the county managed to rebound through diversification, embracing tourism and highlighting its natural beauty. Today, Rappahannock County is known for its picturesque landscapes, wineries, and art community, attracting visitors from near and far. With its unique history and thriving cultural scene, Rappahannock County continues to preserve its heritage while embracing the future.

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

  • 1650s - Rappahannock County is established as part of Lancaster County, Virginia.
  • 1702 - Rappahannock County becomes an official county in Virginia.
  • 1833 - The town of Washington is established as the county seat of Rappahannock County.
  • 1862 - During the American Civil War, Rappahannock County is occupied by Union forces.
  • 1902 - The county courthouse in Washington is destroyed by fire and is later rebuilt.
  • 1954 - Segregation in schools is abolished in Rappahannock County following the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling.
  • 1999 - The Rappahannock County Historical Society is founded to preserve and promote the county's history.
  • 2021 - Rappahannock County continues to thrive as a rural community known for its scenic beauty and agricultural heritage.