Civil War

Savannah Captured

Dec 21, 1664

Savannah is captured, ending the March to the Sea. Union General Sherman offers the city to Lincoln as a Christmas present. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savanna

Confederate Constitution Signed

Mar 11, 1861

The Constitution of the Confederate States of America is signed in Montgomery, Alabama. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederate_Constitution

Civil War Begins

Apr 12, 1861

Confederate forces under General P.G.T. Beauregard bombard Major Robert Anderson and his Union soldiers at Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. The Civil War officially begins.

Virginia Campaign

May 4, 1861

Beginning a drive aimed at ending the war, Ulysses S. Grant and 120,000 troops march south towards Richmond, the Confederate capital. Over the course of the next six weeks, a brutal war of attrition results in the deaths of nearly 50,000 Union soldiers.

Second Battle of Bull Run

Aug 30, 1862

The Second Battle of Bull Run is a resounding victory for Confederate General Stonewall Jackson. Union General John Pope is blamed for the loss and is relieved of his duties after the battle. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_Bull_Run

Battle of Cold Harbor

Jun 1, 1864

The bloody battle of Cold Harbor is a disaster for the Union. General Ulysses S. Grant makes a series of tactical mistakes that result in the deaths of 7,000 Union in twenty minutes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Cold_Harbor

Sherman Burns Atlanta

Sep 2, 1864

Union General Sherman captures Atlanta and burns it to the ground. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherman

Lincoln Second Term

Mar 4, 1865

Lincoln is sworn in for his second term as President of the United States.

Lee Surrenders

Apr 13, 1865

General Robert E. Lee surrenders to General Ulysses S. Grant in a farmhouse in the town of Appomattox Court House, Virginia. The war is over.

Lincoln Dies by Assassination

Apr 15, 1865

Lincoln does not regain consciousness after being shot at Ford's Theater. He dies from his wound. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Lincon

South Surrenders

Apr 18, 1865

General Joe Johnston, leading the largest Confederate Army still in existence, surrenders in North Carolina.

Siege of Petersburg Ends

May 2, 1865

The Siege of Petersburg ends as Ulysses S. Grant's army breaks through Confederate lines and marches towards Richmond.

Slavery Abolished

Dec 6, 1865

The Thirteenth Amendment is ratified by the States. Slavery is abolished. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavery

Siege of Petersburg Begins

Jun 15, 1866

With the beginning of the Siege of Petersburg, south of Richmond, the mobile war of the past month ends, replaced by a nine-month siege. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Petersburg

Lincoln Inagurated

Mar 4, 1881

Abraham Lincoln is inaugurated as the sixteenth President of the United States. In his Inaugural Address he gives a stark warning to the South: he will not tolerate secession.

Shiloh

Apr 18, 1881

Union General Ulysses S. Grant's forces are surprised at the town of Shiloh in Tennessee. The ensuing battle results in 13,000 Union and 10,000 Confederate casualties, more than in all previous American wars combined. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Shiloh

First Battle of Bull Run

May 1, 1881

The First Battle of Bull Run pits Union General Irvin McDowell against the new Confederate army. McDowell is defeated causing a panicked retreat back to Washington, which is about forty miles away. The withdrawal is hampered by the large numbers of spectators who are there to see the battle.