Historical Marker

Civil War Hot-Air Balloons

Historical marker location:
Yorktown, Virginia
( Marker can be reached from Water Street west of Read Street, on the right when traveling west.)
Marker installed: 2010

  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
York County, Virginia has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 17th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Algonquian-speaking Powhatan Confederacy. The English arrived in 1607, with Captain John Smith exploring the Chesapeake Bay and establishing the first English settlement at Jamestown Island. Yorktown, located in present-day York County, became a strategic location during the American Revolution and played a pivotal role in the ultimate defeat of the British.

In the early 17th century, the Virginia Company established several settlements in the region, including Charles City, which eventually became York County in 1634. The county was named after James Stuart, Duke of York and Albany, who later became King James II. The area developed a thriving agriculture-based economy, with tobacco as the primary export crop in the 17th and 18th centuries.

During the American Revolution, Yorktown became the scene of the decisive 1781 Battle of Yorktown. The American and French armies, led by General George Washington and General Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau respectively, laid siege to the British forces commanded by General Charles Cornwallis. After a 21-day standoff, Cornwallis surrendered, effectively ending the war and paving the way for American independence.

In the years following the Revolution, York County experienced significant growth and development. The construction of the Yorktown and Back River bridges in the early 20th century improved transportation to the area, leading to increased tourism and commerce. Today, York County is a thriving community known for its historical significance, scenic beauty, and strong military presence. It continues to honor its past while embracing a vibrant future.

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

  • 1607 - English colonists establish Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America, in what is now York County.
  • 1622 - Native American uprising known as the Powhatan Uprising occurs, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of settlers in York County.
  • 1634 - Virginia is divided into eight shires, with York County being one of the original shires.
  • 1691 - York County becomes part of the newly formed Royal Colony of Virginia.
  • 1781 - American Revolutionary War battle, known as the Battle of Yorktown, takes place in York County, leading to surrender of British forces and end of the war.
  • 1861-1865 - York County experiences significant impact during the American Civil War, with Union and Confederate forces occupying the area multiple times.
  • 1908 - Construction of the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station begins, a major military installation in York County.
  • 1930s - Colonial National Historical Park is established, including historic sites in York County such as Yorktown Battlefield.
  • 1970s - York County experiences rapid suburban growth and development, with new residential and commercial areas being established.
  • Present - York County continues to be a thriving community in Virginia, known for its historical significance and quality of life.