Salisbury in Rowan County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Rowan County Courthouse
Escaped Destruction
— Stoneman’s Raids —
Almost four years later, on April 12, 1865, Union Gen. George Stoneman, leading a cavalry raid through western North Carolina, rode into Salisbury. His forces burned vast quantities of military stores, including 10,000 weapons, a million rounds of ammunition, 17,000 uniforms, 250,000 blankets and more than 200 tons of food and other supplies. Light from the giant bonfires reportedly was seen 30 miles away. The stores had been sent to Salisbury to prevent them from falling into Gen. William T. Sherman’s hands as he marched north from Georgia. Stoneman also burned and destroyed the Confederate States Military Prison located in Salisbury. Although Stoneman’s raiders burned military supplies and facilities here in town, the courthouse escaped destruction.
“ . . . I can be no party to this wicked violation of the laws of the country, and to this war upon the liberties of a free people. You can get no troops from North Carolina.” – Telegram to President Lincoln from Governor Ellis, April 15, 1861.
Erected by Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, and the North Carolina Civil War Trails series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1849.
Location. 35° 40.109′ N, 80° 28.131′ W. Marker is in Salisbury, North Carolina, in Rowan County. Marker is at the intersection of N Main Street (U.S. 29) and W Council Street, on the left when traveling north on N Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Salisbury NC 28144, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Washington’s Tour of the Southern States (here, next to this marker); St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (here, next to this marker); Washington's Southern Tour (a few steps from this marker); Wiley Immanuel Lash (a few steps from this marker); Elizabeth Maxwell Steele (a few steps from this marker); Rowan County World War I Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Boone Trail 1769 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old English Cemetery (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salisbury.
More about this marker. The bottom left of the marker contains an “1880-90 photo of courthouse; [which] now houses Rowan Museum and Civil War artifacts.” Also on the marker are portraits of Gen. George Stoneman and John W. Ellis, as well as an “1862 recruiting broadside for guards at C.S. Military Prison - Courtesy of Rowan Museum.”
Credits. This page was last revised on May 18, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,188 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 10, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.