American Civil War By facebooker_2003984233055781 1861 within a short period of time Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas all leave the Union to join the Confederacy. Apr 12, 1861 The South attacks Fort Sumter South Carolina and starts the war. Apr 19, 1861 Abraham Lincoln announces the Union Blockade where the Union Navy will attempt to keep supplies from entering or leaving the Confederacy. This blockade will weaken the Confederacy later in the war. Jan 1, 1863 President Lincoln issues an executive order freeing many slaves and laying the groundwork for the Thirteenth Amendment. Period: 1865 to 1877 The South is occupied by Federal troops while state governments, economies, and infrastructure are rebuilt. Apr 9, 1865 General Lee, the leader of the Confederate Army, surrenders to General Ulysses S. Grant at The Appomattox Court House in Virginia. Apr 14, 1865 While attending the Ford's Theatre, President Lincoln is shot and killed by John Wilkes Booth.
