Civil War (1861-1865)

Fort Sumter

Apr 12, 1861

The start of the civil war on an island in Charleston Harbor. P.G.T Beauregard opens fire.

First Bull Run

Jul 21, 1861

The first bloodshed about 3 months after Fort Sumter fell. In the morning the Union had the lead but overall the South won with the help of reinforcements.

Battle of Antietam

Sep 17, 1862

12,000 were killed in the first 3 hours.The battle ended in a draw.

Battle of Fredricksburg

Dec 11, 1862

Burnside attacked Lee and the Union lost 13,000 while the Confederate only lost 500.

Emancipation Proclamation

Jan 1, 1863

Lincoln issued his emancipation proclamation that freed the slaves in all regions behind Confederate lines.

Battle of Gettysburg

Jul 1, 1863

The turning point of the war. Nearly 50,000 were killed in 3 days ending in a victory for the Union.

Grant

Mar 2, 1864

Ulysses S. Grant is made the lieutenant general.The next day he begins command of the Union armies.

Election

Nov 8, 1864

Lincoln defeated McClellan in his reelection. This ended any hope of a negotiated peace for the South.

Appomattox Courthouse

Apr 9, 1865

Lee surrenders to Grant. Grant paroled Lee's soldiers and sent them home with 3 days worth of rations, the officers were able to keep their pistols.

Assassination

Apr 14, 1865

President Abraham Lincoln Was killed by John Wilkes Booth