Historical Marker

Hillsville Civil War Memorial

Historical marker location:
Hillsville, Virginia
( Memorial can be reached from North Main Street (U.S. 52) south of Court Street, on the right when traveling north.)

  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.

Virginia is a state with a strong sense of community and civic engagement.
Elliott Majerczyk in Speech at the Virginia Civic Engagement Conference, 2021
Carroll County, Virginia has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee and Shawnee, who utilized the land for hunting and gathering. European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, establishing farms and small communities.

In 1842, Carroll County was officially formed from parts of Grayson County, Wythe County, and Patrick County. It was named after Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The county's economy relied heavily on agriculture, with farmers growing tobacco, corn, wheat, and livestock.

During the American Civil War, Carroll County saw its fair share of conflict. The Battle of Hillsville, which took place in 1864, was a significant event where a Confederate unit repelled a Union raiding party. The aftermath of the war brought challenges to the county as it struggled to rebuild its economy and heal the wounds caused by the conflict.

The 20th century brought significant changes to Carroll County. The introduction of the railroad in the early 1900s led to increased economic development and improved transportation. The county experienced a growth in manufacturing and other industries, leading to a more diversified economy. Today, Carroll County is known for its scenic beauty, historical landmarks, and vibrant community that celebrates its cultural heritage.

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

  • 1838: Carroll County is formed from part of Grayson County in Virginia.
  • 1842: The county seat is established in the town of Hillsville.
  • 1861-1865: Carroll County is heavily involved in the American Civil War.
  • 1872: The first courthouse in Hillsville is completed.
  • 1904-1905: The present-day Carroll County Courthouse is constructed.
  • 1912: A new Carroll County Jail is built.
  • 1925: The Hillsville High School is established.
  • 1968: Interstate 77 is completed, bringing improved transportation to the county.
  • 1977: The Carroll County Historical Society is founded.
  • 2002: The Carroll County Public Library opens its new building in Hillsville.