Historical Marker

Gladeville in the Civil War

Historical marker location:
Wise, Virginia
( Marker is on East Main Street (County Route 640) east of Spring Avenue, on the right.)

“The Burnt City”

  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
Wise County, located in southwestern Virginia, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, predominantly the Cherokee, who thrived on its fertile lands and abundant resources. European settlers began to arrive in the early 18th century, gradually encroaching on the Native American territories.

In 1856, Wise County was established from parts of Lee, Russell, and Scott counties, and was named after Henry A. Wise, the governor of Virginia at the time. The county played a significant role during the American Civil War, with many of its residents serving in the Confederate Army. The Battle of Wise Courthouse, fought in 1862, took place in the county, resulting in Union forces briefly occupying parts of the area.

Following the Civil War, Wise County transitioned from an agricultural economy to a coal-driven one. The county is located within the Appalachian coalfields, and the discovery of vast coal reserves led to the rapid development of mining towns and a surge in population. Coal mining became the backbone of the local economy, attracting thousands of workers from all over the region.

Throughout the 20th century, Wise County faced both periods of prosperity and challenges. The economy heavily relied on coal, bringing economic growth but also vulnerability to changes in the industry. In recent years, efforts have been made to diversify the economy and promote tourism, as the county features beautiful natural landscapes, such as the Jefferson National Forest and the Breaks Interstate Park. Today, Wise County continues to be a close-knit community with a deep appreciation for its history, natural resources, and the resilience of its people.

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

  • Established in 1856 as a county in the state of Virginia
  • Named after Henry A. Wise, the Governor of Virginia from 1856-1860
  • During the American Civil War (1861-1865), Wise County remained mostly unionist
  • Coal mining became a major industry in the late 19th century, leading to significant economic growth
  • 1892 - Norton, an independent city within Wise County, was incorporated
  • In the early 20th century, Wise County experienced a population boom due to coal mining
  • 1930s - The Great Depression severely impacted the county's economy, causing a decline in coal production
  • 1950s-1960s - Coal production saw a resurgence, leading to renewed economic activity
  • 1999 - The Wise County Coal Slurry Spill, one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history, occurred
  • Present - Wise County continues to face challenges related to the decline of the coal industry, but has diversified its economy