Historical Marker

Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
113 N Court St, Ripley, West Virginia
( Memorial is on North Court Street just north of West Main Street (U.S. 33), on the left when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 1915

  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 West Virginia.
The first federal minimum wage law in the United States was passed in West Virginia in 1912. The law set a minimum wage of $0.16 per hour for women and children working in certain industries.
West Virginia random facts
Jackson County, West Virginia, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Shawnee, Wyandot, and Mingo people. European settlement began in the late 18th century when the area was included in the Northwestern Territory. In 1800, Jackson County was officially established and named in honor of President Andrew Jackson.

Throughout the 19th century, the county experienced significant growth and development. The construction of transportation infrastructure, such as the Northwestern Turnpike and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, played a vital role in fostering economic growth and attracting settlers. The county became known for its fertile farmland, coal mining, and timber resources. It also became a popular destination for riverboat travel along the Ohio River.

During the American Civil War, Jackson County was deeply divided. Like many border regions, it experienced conflicts between pro-Union and pro-Confederate factions. The county was the site of various skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Ripley in 1863. Following the war, the county gradually recovered, and agriculture, coal mining, and manufacturing industries played key roles in its post-war economy.

In the 20th century, Jackson County continued to develop. The completion of the Ravenswood Aluminum Corporation plant in the 1950s brought industrial growth to the region, bolstering employment opportunities. The county also witnessed the construction of major highways, such as Interstate 77, further enhancing transportation infrastructure. Today, Jackson County is a vibrant community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Its historical sites, natural beauty, and close-knit communities make it a unique destination in West Virginia.

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

  • 1796: Jackson County was established by an act of the Virginia General Assembly.
  • 1831: Ripley was established as the county seat of Jackson County.
  • 1856: Ravenswood was founded and became an important industrial center.
  • 1861-1865: Jackson County residents actively participated in the American Civil War.
  • 1871: The Ohio River Railroad reached Ravenswood, stimulating economic growth.
  • 1898: Ripley and Ravenswood were connected by the Ohio and Kanawha Turnpike.
  • 1913: The Ravenswood Aluminum Corporation was established, becoming a major employer.
  • 1967: Ravenswood was chosen as the site for the West Virginia Centennial Celebration.
  • 1993: The Ravenswood Bridge was completed, enhancing transportation in the region.
  • 2008: The West Virginia film industry began to grow in Jackson County.
  • 2010: Ravenswood celebrated its bicentennial.
  • 2016: Jackson County celebrated its bicentennial.