Historical Marker

Civil War Camp

Historical marker location:
Forest Hill, West Virginia
( Marker is at the intersection of West Virginia Route 12 and Seminole Road (County Route 21/1), on the right when traveling north on State Route 12.)
Marker installed: 2002

  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.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is the site of John Brown's raid in 1859, which is considered a major event leading up to the Civil War. Brown and his supporters attempted to seize the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry in an effort to arm slaves and start a rebellion against slaveholders.
West Virginia random facts
Summers County, located in the southeastern part of West Virginia, has a rich and varied history that stretches back to the pre-Columbian era. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Cherokee, who relied on the fertile land and abundant resources for their livelihoods. However, the arrival of European settlers in the 18th century brought significant changes to the region.

In the late 18th century, the first permanent European settlement was established in what is now Summers County. The area saw rapid growth in the following years, with the development of industries such as agriculture, timber, and mining. The discovery of coal in the late 19th century further fueled economic growth in the county.

During the American Civil War, Summers County played a significant role. The county remained politically divided, with residents supporting both the Union and Confederacy. In 1861, the Battle of Carnifex Ferry took place near Summersville, resulting in a Union victory and securing control of the county. The region also became a refuge for escaped slaves seeking freedom and actively participated in the Underground Railroad network.

In the 20th century, Summers County experienced both prosperity and challenges. The construction of the Bluestone Dam in the 1940s brought economic benefits, including an increase in tourism and recreation opportunities. However, the decline of the coal industry and the depopulation of rural areas posed significant challenges to the county's economy. Today, Summers County continues to preserve its historical heritage while embracing opportunities for growth and development.

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

  • 1831 - Summers County is established from parts of Greenbrier, Fayette, Kanawha, and Monroe counties.
  • 1833 - Talcott, the county seat, is established.
  • 1847 - The first courthouse in Talcott is built.
  • 1863 - During the Civil War, Summers County remains loyal to the Union.
  • 1875 - Hinton, the current county seat, is established and becomes a major railroad center.
  • 1879 - The historic Hinton Historic District is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1891 - The C&O Railway completes construction of a bridge across the New River in Hinton.
  • 1978 - The John Henry Historic Park is established to commemorate the legend of John Henry.
  • 1983 - Bluestone Lake, the third-largest lake in West Virginia, is completed.
  • 2005 - Camp Creek State Park is established, offering recreational activities and camping opportunities.