Battle of the civil war By Tanaesha Mercer Period: Apr 12, 1861 to Apr 14, 1861 Battle of Fort Sumter The battle of fort sumter was the first battle of the American civil war. Period: Jul 21, 1861 to Nov 29, 1861 First Battle of Manassas The union army under Gen.Irvin McDowell suffers a defeat as BullRun 25 miles southwest of Washington.