Historical Marker

Civil War Earthworks

Historical marker location:
Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia
( Marker is on Anderson Drive, on the right when traveling south.)

Preservation Message. Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park

  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 home to the oldest continuously operating legislative body in the Western Hemisphere, the Virginia General Assembly, which was established in 1619.
Virginia random facts
Spotsylvania County, Virginia has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the early colonial period. The county was established in 1721, and it was named after Alexander Spotswood, the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia at the time. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Pamunkey and the Mattaponi.

During the American Revolutionary War, Spotsylvania County saw some significant events. In 1781, the county was the site of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, a pivotal battle in the Southern Campaign. This battle saw the American forces, led by General Nathanael Greene, clash with the British forces under General Cornwallis. Although the Americans ultimately withdrew, the battle weakened the British position and set the stage for their surrender at Yorktown later that year.

In the 19th century, Spotsylvania County played a role in the American Civil War. It was the site of several major battles, including the famous Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863. This battle, fought between Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia and the Union Army under General Joseph Hooker, resulted in a Confederate victory but at the cost of the life of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson, who was mortally wounded during the battle. Today, visitors can explore the Chancellorsville Battlefield and learn about the events that took place on this hallowed ground.

In the modern era, Spotsylvania County has experienced significant population growth and development. It is located in close proximity to the bustling city of Fredericksburg and has become a popular residential area for those commuting to larger urban centers. Despite this growth, the county has worked to preserve its historical landmarks and cultural heritage, and several museums and historic sites offer visitors a glimpse into Spotsylvania's past.

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

  • 1721 - Spotsylvania County established as part of the British colony of Virginia
  • 1864 - The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House takes place during the American Civil War
  • 1872 - The county's courthouse is destroyed by fire and later rebuilt
  • 1901 - The Confederate Cemetery is established in Spotsylvania County
  • 1972 - Lake Anna, a reservoir located partially in the county, is created