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Election of 1860
Abraham Lincoln is elected as the 16th president as the United States, the first Republican president, who represents the anti-slavery movement in the US. -
Battle of Fort Sumter
This was the first battle of the American Civil War. It began with the South Carolina militia beginning to bomb the Fort, which was followed by the US military firing back, although they eventually surrendered and the battle only lasted one day. -
The Battle of Bull Run
One of the first major battles of the Civil War. It was fought in Manassas, Virginia, with the Union Army being led by General Irwin McDowell, and the Confederate forces led under General Pierre Beauregard. Although the Union army had the upper hand in the beginning of the battle, the arrival of new troops to the aid of the Confederate Army caused the Union Army to retreat. -
Battle of Wilson's Creek
The Union Army launched an attack on the Confederate troops in the Southwest of Missouri. They were forced to retreat once again as their General, Nathaniel Lyon, is killed. This battle showed the strength of the Confederate army, especially in the west of the Mississippi River. -
The Battle of Pea Ridge
This battle was a victory for the Union, allowing them to regain some control of the Mississippi River area and Missouri. -
The Battle of Shiloh
One of the first major battles in Tennessee, this battle was a Union victory. A well known Confederate General, Albert Johnston, was killed in this battle, but it also furthered the career of Ulysses S. Grant, the "Unconditional Surrender". He gained this nickname at the Surrender of Fort Donelson. -
The Seven Days Battles
General Lee commands his army to attack the Army of the Potomac, led by General Mclellan, beginning on June 26, and ending on July 1 of 1862. -
The Battle of Second Bull Run
Fought in the same location as the First Battle of Bull Run, the outcome of this battle was the same, being a Union defeat. -
The Battle of Gettysburg
One of the most important battles of the Civil War. It was the bloodiest battle of the war, and destroyed the hopes of Robert E. Lee for an invasion on the North. -
The Battle of Chickamauga
A Union defeat under General William Rosecrans, by the Confederate army under general Braxton Bragg. -
The Battle for Chattanooga
The Union military is able to break through the attacks of the Confederacy. The Battle of Missionary Ridge happens November 25. This Union victory forces the Confederate Army under General Bragg to retreat south to George, before Bragg resigns on November 30. -
Capture of Fort Pillow
The Confederate cavalry led by Nathan Forrest attacks and overpowers the Union members at Fort Pillow. Many of those stationed at the fort were African-American soldiers who were murdered by the Confederate troops, which cast a shadow over the rest of Forrest's career. -
The Battle of the Wilderness
Union General Grant gave orders for the Overland Campaign to begin on May 3rd, which Confederate General Lee responded to by attacking the Union through the wilderness area west of Fredericksburg, Virginia. -
Assault on Petersburg
The Army of the Potomac attack the outer defenses of Petersburg. After several days of attacks, General Grant realizes that a siege is necessary to cut off Confederate supplies. -
Battle of Monocacy
The Confederate under Jubal Early move north into Maryland where they were met by 6,000 Federal troops under General Lew Wallace. Known as "the battle that saved Washington", even though it was a Union defeat because it held back the Confederate troops until troops could be sent to the Capital for defense. -
Battle of Mobile Bay
The Union Army under Admiral David Farragut drove into Mobile Bay, which was defended by two strong forts. They defeated the Confederate ships and were able to bypass the forts and capture the southern port. -
The Battle of Cedar Creek
Jubal Early's Confederate army successfully attacks the troops of the Army of Shenandoah from their camps at Cedar Creek. General Philip Sheridan rides south, leading his troops towards the battlefield. They are able to drive off Early's forces and secure control of the Shenandoah Valley. -
Attack on Fort Stedman
Confederate troops led by General John B. Gordon attack and capture the Union fort in the Petersburg siege lines in an attempt to prevent the Union plans for an assault in late March, but the Union is able to take the fort back. -
Battle of Appomattox Court House
General Lee has a discussion with General grant to discuss their terms. Later that day, Lee signs the document of surrender. April 12th sees the official surrender and disbandment of the Army of Northern Virginia. -
The Ending of the War
General Simon Buckner enters into terms for the surrender of the Army of the Trans-Mississippi. These are agreed upon on June 2, 1865, symbolizing the official end of the war.
