Historical Marker

Tyler County Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
121 Main St, Middlebourn, West Virginia
( Memorial is at the intersection of Main Street (West Virginia Route 18) and Court Street, on the left when traveling south on Main Street.)
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 West Virginia.
The West Virginia State Penitentiary in Moundsville, West Virginia, operated from 1866 to 1995, and was known for its harsh conditions and numerous executions. The prison is now a tourist attraction and offers tours of the facility.
West Virginia random facts
Tyler County, West Virginia has a rich and intriguing history that dates back to its early settlement in the 1800s. The area that would become Tyler County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware. However, it was European settlers who would have a lasting impact on the region.

In the early 1800s, Tyler County was established, named after the newly elected US President, John Tyler. The county quickly began to develop as settlers from neighboring states made their way to the area. Farming, timber, and oil industries played important roles in the county's early economy, attracting more settlers and contributing to its growth.

During the American Civil War, Tyler County became a hotbed of activity. Due to its strategic location along the Ohio River, the county experienced both Union and Confederate occupations. The county's residents were divided in their loyalties, with some supporting the Union and others siding with the Confederacy. The war took a toll on the community, but by the end, Tyler County began to rebuild.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Tyler County experienced a boom in the oil industry. Several oil fields were discovered in the area, leading to an economic boom. The county witnessed a surge in population as workers flocked to the region for job opportunities. However, the oil industry's decline in the mid-20th century resulted in an economic downturn, impacting the community.

Today, Tyler County is a rural community with a focus on agriculture, tourism, and small businesses. The county's rich history is still evident in its historic buildings and sites, which attract visitors interested in learning about the region's past. Despite economic challenges, Tyler County remains resilient, adapting to changes while maintaining its unique identity.

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

  • 1814 - Tyler County is established by the Virginia General Assembly.
  • 1842 - The county seat is established in Middlebourne.
  • 1863 - West Virginia secedes from Virginia during the American Civil War, and Tyler County becomes part of the new state.
  • 1871 - Oil and gas are discovered in Tyler County, leading to an economic boom.
  • 1892 - The Sistersville Ferry is established to connect Tyler County with Monroe County, Ohio.
  • 1923 - The Tyler County Fair is established, becoming an annual event that continues to this day.
  • 1956 - The Jug Wildlife Management Area is established, providing recreational opportunities for hunting and fishing.
  • 1994 - The Tyler County Speedway opens, hosting stock car racing events.
  • 2019 - The Tyler County Heritage and Historical Society is founded to preserve and promote the county's history.