GReid By rcushman Period: Jan 1, 1860 to Dec 31, 1865 Civil War Dec 15, 1860 South Carolina Secedes from the Union Apr 12, 1861 Battle at Fort Sumter. Start of Civil War. Jul 21, 1861 First Battle of Bull Run Sep 17, 1862 Battle of Antietam Jan 1, 1863 Abe Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation. It freed slaves. Jul 1, 1863 Battle of Gettysburg Apr 15, 1865 Abe Lincoln is Assinated as President by Confederate Man