Historical Marker

Union Civil War Monument

Historical marker location:
Charleston, West Virginia
( Marker is on Kanawha Boulevard, 0.2 miles west of California Avenue, on the left when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 1930

  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 rural free mail delivery service in the United States was established in Charles Town, West Virginia, in 1896.
West Virginia random facts
Kanawha County, West Virginia has a rich and varied history that spans several centuries. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, who used the Kanawha River for transportation and trade. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to establish homesteads in the area, drawn by the fertile soil and abundant natural resources.

During the American Civil War, Kanawha County saw significant military activity. It was a strategic location for both Union and Confederate forces, as control of the Kanawha River meant dominance over key transportation routes. The Battle of Charleston took place in the county in 1862, resulting in Union victory and the expulsion of Confederate forces from the area.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought industrialization to Kanawha County, thanks to the discovery of vast coal reserves. This led to a boom in mining and the establishment of numerous mining towns. The county became a major center for the coal industry, attracting workers from across the country and around the world.

In more recent times, Kanawha County has faced economic challenges due to the decline of the coal industry. However, efforts have been made to diversify the economy and promote tourism. The county is home to a number of tourist attractions, including beautiful parks, historical sites, and the state capital, Charleston. Today, Kanawha County continues to evolve and adapt, while preserving its rich heritage and natural beauty.

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

  • 1788 - Kanawha County is established from parts of Greenbrier and Montgomery counties.
  • 1831 - Charleston becomes the county seat of Kanawha County.
  • 1850 - The population of Kanawha County reaches 12,174.
  • 1863 - During the American Civil War, Kanawha County is occupied by Union forces.
  • 1870 - The population of Kanawha County grows to 17,039.
  • 1875 - A devastating flood hits Kanawha County, causing significant damage.
  • 1917 - The Kanawha County Public Library is established.
  • 1943 - The Battle of Blair Mountain takes place in southern Kanawha County during the West Virginia Mine Wars.
  • 1974 - The Kanawha County textbook controversy leads to protests and violence in the community.
  • 1994 - Kanawha County celebrates its bicentennial.