African Americans in the Civil War By MrReilly Apr 12, 1861 War breaks out Fort Sumter Jul 22, 1861 Militia Act Aug 22, 1861 1st Confiscation Act passes May 22, 1862 First South Carolina Volunteers formed Jul 22, 1862 Second Confiscation Act passes Sep 22, 1862 Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation issued Jan 1, 1863 Emancipation Proclamation Feb 22, 1863 Counter Emancipation Proclamation Jul 22, 1863 Battery Wagner Jul 22, 1863 N.Y.C. Draft Riots Feb 20, 1864 Battle at Olustee Apr 12, 1864 Ft. Pillow Massacre Jul 22, 1864 Battle at The Crater Mar 22, 1865 C.S.A. allows black troops