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Abraham Lincoln gets elected
He becomes the 16th president of the United States. Because of his election, multiple states(SC being the first) secede to become the Confederate States of America, which starts the Civil War. -
The Confederate States of America were formed
When the CSA was first formed when seven states formed together in action toward President Lincoln's election. The first state to secede was South Carolina. In the end, there were eleven states in the CSA before they rejoined the USA. -
First Battle of Bull Run
The Union commander was Brigader General Irvin McDowell and the Confederacy had Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. It was the first major land battle in Virginia. The Union fled back to Washington, D.C. by the 22nd. -
Trent Affair
The Trent Affair was an international diplomatic incident involving the USS San Jacinto intercepting a ship headed to Britain to press the case for help. -
Battle of Pea Ridge
Instead of attacking General Curtis' fortifications, Conferderate general Earl Van Dorn decided to march around the right flank and attack the Federals near Elkhorn Tavern. This didn't work; instead, the two troops were separated by Pea Ridge. -
USS Monitor v.s. CSS Virginia
As the Virginia steamed out onto Hampton Roads, the Monitor moved to protect the immobile Minnesota, and a general battle began. Both ships tried to run each other down after heavy cannon fire, but their iron sides prevented any vital damage. -
Battle of Shiloh
It took place on Pittsburgh Landing in Hardin County, Tennessee. The confederate leader was General Albert Sidney Johnson. The Union leader was Ulysses S. Grant. There was over 23,000 casualities and ended with the Confederacy losing. -
The Battle of Seven Pines
The results of this battle were inconclusive. The main generals were McClellan for the Union and Johnston for the Confederacy. There were close to 14,000 casualities. -
Battle of Chattanooga
Negley, the Union general for this battle, ordered open fire on the Confederate troops atop Cameron Hill and the town below and sent infantry to the riverbank to act as sharpshooters. The battle on Chattanooga was a warning that Union troops could attack when they wanted. -
Seven Days' Battle
This battle lasted until July 1st. The main generals were McClellan for the North and Lee for the South. It was a Confederate victory. -
Second Battle of Bull Run
The generals were Pope for the Union and Jackson for the Confederacy. After many casualities, the Confederacy drove the Union back to Bull Run. The next day, Lee sent his army in pursuit. -
Emancipation Proclomation
The Emancipation Proclamation said that "all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free." He issued this around the third year of the Civil War. -
Siege of Vicksburg
This battle lasted until July 4th. The main generals were Grant and Pemberton. The Union won this battle. -
West Virginia beomes a state
West Virginia was the 35th state admitted into the Union. Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861, but since the western countries didn't have many slaves, they stayed with the Union. As a result, "Mountaineers are always free" became the state motto. -
Battle of Chickamauga
General Thomas took over the Union troops after Rosencrans was driven from the field. He began consolidating forces on Snodgrass Hill and Horseshoe Ridge, and although the Confederate troops launched determined assaults on them, they held until dark. Thomas then led these men away from the field, leaving it to the Confederates. -
Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg Address was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. It is one of the most well-known speeches today, mostly for the phrase "Four score and seven years ago...". -
Battle of Spotsylvania
This two week long battle ended with the deaths of Sedgwik and Rice for the Union and Daniel and Perrin for the Confederacy. The Union captured Steuart and Johnson. After, Grant continued to march toward Richmond. -
Cold Harbor
Sheridan's cavalry seized the vital crossroads of Old Cold Harbor. After being slaughtered, Grant commented in his memoirs that this was the only order he wished he'd never given. -
The Siege of Petersburg
This was a Confederacy victory. There were over 11,000 casualties and the main generals were Beauregard and Lee for the Confederacy and Meade and Grant for the Union. -
Assassination of Lincoln
Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth at the Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. As Booth escaped, a doctor in the audience examined Lincoln's wound and deemed it fatal. He died across the street the next morning at Petersen's Boarding House.
