Historical Marker

Civil War Tourism Attraction

Historical marker location:
5 Grand Caverns Drive, Grottoes, Virginia
( Marker is on Grand Caverns Drive, on the right when traveling west.)

Soldiers Visit Weyers Cave

  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.
Jamestown, Virginia, was the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. It was founded in 1607 and served as the capital of Virginia until 1699.
Virginia random facts
Rockingham County, Virginia has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 18th century. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, the area was explored by European settlers in the early 1700s. The county was officially established in 1778 and named after Charles Watson-Wentworth, the second Marquess of Rockingham and a prominent British statesman.

During the American Revolution, Rockingham County played a significant role in the fight for independence. Many of its residents were supporters of the cause and actively participated in various military campaigns. Following the war, the county experienced rapid growth and development, with agriculture becoming a key economic driver. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it ideal for farming, and crops such as wheat, corn, and tobacco became important commodities.

In the early 19th century, Rockingham County saw the rise of industry. Mills and factories were established along the Shenandoah River, harnessing its water power to drive machinery. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s further stimulated economic growth, improving transportation and bringing new opportunities for trade and commerce. The county became known for its manufacturing, particularly in the textile, furniture, and iron industries.

In the 20th century, Rockingham County continued to evolve with the changing times. The agricultural sector expanded, with dairy farms and poultry production becoming major contributors to the local economy. The county also experienced suburbanization as the population grew and urban areas expanded. Today, Rockingham County remains a vibrant community, combining its rural roots with modern amenities and industries. It is known for its natural beauty, historical sites, and a strong sense of community.

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

  • 1727 - Rockingham County is established in the Colony of Virginia.
  • 1732 - The first European settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1778 - The town of Harrisonburg is founded as the county seat.
  • 1784 - Rockingham County's first courthouse is built in Harrisonburg.
  • 1812 - Rockingham County becomes part of the newly formed state of Virginia.
  • 1852 - The Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad reaches Harrisonburg, boosting economic development.
  • 1862 - Rockingham County sees significant battles and skirmishes during the American Civil War.
  • 1870 - The first public school in Rockingham County opens.
  • 1929 - The Byrd Theatre in Harrisonburg opens, becoming a popular entertainment venue.
  • 1930s - Agriculture, particularly poultry farming, becomes a major industry in Rockingham County.
  • 1962 - Bridgewater College is established in Rockingham County.
  • 1994 - Massanutten Resort, a popular tourist destination, opens in Rockingham County.