American Civil War By tnoe8 Mar 15, 1861 Ab Lincoln becomes President Ab Lincoln becomes President Period: Mar 15, 1861 to Apr 15, 1865 Civil War Mar 18, 1861 Seven Southern states secede Apr 15, 1861 The South attacks Fort Sumter, the Civil war begins Jul 15, 1861 The Battle Of Bull Run Sep 15, 1862 Antietam is the bloodiest battle of the War Jan 15, 1863 Lincoln signs the Emacipation Proclamation Jul 15, 1863 Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address Apr 15, 1865 Lee surrenders at Appomattox Courthouse, ending the Civil War