Historical Marker

Civil War Nurses

Historical marker location:
Wheeling, West Virginia
( Marker is on Main Street (West Virginia Route 2) north of 2nd Street, on the right when traveling south.)
Marker installed: 2019

  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.

The first rural free mail delivery service in the United States was established in Charles Town, West Virginia, in 1896.
West Virginia random facts
Ohio County is located in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. It was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mingo, Shawnee, and Delaware. In the late 1700s, European settlers began to arrive in the region. As part of the Northwest Territory, Ohio County was established in 1776 and became an important county due to its location along the Ohio River. It was named after the river and later became a vital transportation and industrial center.

Throughout the 19th century, Ohio County experienced significant growth and development. The construction of the National Road, the country's first federally funded highway, connected Ohio County to other parts of the nation and spurred economic growth. The county became an important trading and commercial center, with Wheeling, the county seat, becoming the capital of West Virginia during the Civil War.

The oil and gas industry also played a major role in Ohio County's development. The discovery of oil in nearby areas in the late 19th century led to the establishment of many oil refineries in the county. This brought immense wealth and economic prosperity to the region. Ohio County also became known for its steel industry, with several mills operating in the area.

Over the years, Ohio County has faced various challenges and undergone transformations. The decline of the steel industry in the late 20th century had a significant impact on the economy of the county. However, efforts have been made to diversify the economy and promote tourism, particularly through the development of historic sites and recreational attractions. Today, Ohio County continues to be a vibrant community with a rich history and a promising future.

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

  • 1776: Ohio County is established by the Virginia General Assembly.
  • 1780: Fort Henry is built on the site of present-day Wheeling.
  • 1787: The first courthouse in Ohio County is constructed.
  • 1836: Wheeling officially becomes the county seat of Ohio County.
  • 1852: The B&O Railroad reaches Wheeling, boosting the city's economy.
  • 1861: Wheeling holds the Wheeling Convention, leading to the creation of the new state of West Virginia.
  • 1870: The state capital is temporarily moved from Charleston to Wheeling.
  • 1937: The Wheeling Suspension Bridge, the oldest suspension bridge in the United States, is designated a National Historic Landmark.
  • 1960: The Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation becomes one of the largest steel producers in the country.
  • 1985: The Ohio County Public Library opens its doors.
  • 2003: The Wheeling Casino and Racetrack opens, bringing in new tourism and economic opportunities.