Historical Marker

Parkersburg and the Civil War

Historical marker location:
Parkersburg, West Virginia
( Marker is on Fort Boreman Drive, 1 mile south of Robert Byrd Highway (U.S. 50), on the right when traveling north.)

Fort Boreman Historical Park

  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 West Virginia Mine Wars, a series of labor disputes and violent conflicts between coal miners and mining companies, took place in the early 1900s. The conflicts, which included the Battle of Blair Mountain in 1921, had a significant impact on the labor movement in the United States.
West Virginia random facts
Wood County, West Virginia has a rich and diverse history, dating back to its formation in 1798. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware, who utilized the region for hunting and gathering. European settlers began to arrive in the late 18th century, drawn by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

During the early years, the region was mainly a frontier outpost where settlers faced various hardships and conflicts with Native tribes. However, as time went on, the area grew in population and economic importance. The construction of the Northwestern Turnpike in the early 19th century facilitated trade and transportation, leading to further development.

The county's economy primarily relied on agricultural activities, with farming and livestock rearing being the main sources of income for many residents. The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought significant industrialization to Wood County, with the discovery of oil and gas reserves. This led to the establishment of several oil wells and refineries, providing employment opportunities and boosting the local economy.

However, the area also faced its fair share of challenges over the years. Like much of the United States, Wood County experienced the devastating effects of the Great Depression in the 1930s. Nevertheless, the region managed to recover and adapt to changing economic conditions, diversifying its industries and promoting tourism to bolster its economy.

Today, Wood County is a vibrant community that blends its rich historical heritage with modern amenities. It is known for its natural beauty, with parks, rivers, and outdoor recreational activities aplenty. The county continues to attract visitors and residents alike, as it combines a small-town charm with a thriving economy and a strong sense of community spirit.

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

  • 1798: Wood County is established by the Virginia General Assembly as a part of Virginia
  • 1800: The first permanent settlement is established by Alexander Parker, making it the oldest European-American settlement in present-day Wood County
  • 1835: The first oil well in the United States is drilled in Burning Springs, Wood County
  • 1863: West Virginia is admitted to the Union during the American Civil War, and Wood County becomes a part of the new state
  • 1871: Completion of the Parkersburg-Belpre Bridge, connecting Parkersburg, West Virginia, and Belpre, Ohio
  • 1906: Construction of the Little Kanawha River Navigation System begins, allowing for transportation of goods along the river
  • 1927: The Blennerhassett Hotel, a historic landmark, opens in downtown Parkersburg
  • 1967: The West Virginia Interstate 77 Bridge, commonly known as the Parkersburg Bridge, is completed, providing a vital connection for interstate travel
  • 1990: The Parkersburg National Register Historic District is established, recognizing the historical significance of the city's architecture and landmarks