Timeline: Civil War Annotated Timeline

Apr 12, 1861

Fort Sumter

Ended April 13, 1861. Started the Civil War; similar to the "shot heard around the world." In South Carolina, Lee's army defeated Lincoln's.

Jun 21, 1861

Battle of Bull Run (1st)

In Manassas, Virginia the Confederate General Beauregard defeated Union General McDowell at the first battle of Bull Run. Confederates victory. This battle led to army reorganization.

Mar 8, 1862

Battle of Hamton Roads

Ended March 9, 1862. By Hamton Roads, Virginia, Union General Marston had a militarry draw with Confederate General Buchanan. A new battle ship was built as a result of the battle.

Apr 6, 1862

Battle of Shiloh

Ended April 7, 1862. Tennessee Union General Grant defeated Confederate General Johnston. Johnston was killed and the Union took control of the Tennessee river.

Apr 29, 1862

Battle of Bull Run (2nd)

Ended April 30, 1862. In Manassas, Virginia Confederate General Jackson defeated Union General Pope. This battle helped the Confederates regain control of most of Tennessee.

Jul 16, 1862

Siege of Atlanta

Ended September 2, 1864. In Atlanta, Georgia, Union General Sherman defeated Confederate General Mood. Union captured the "heart of the south." Launched the "march to the sea."

Sep 17, 1862

Battle of Antietam

In Maryland, Union General McClellan and Confederate General Lee had a military draw. Seen as a political victory for the north, however. This battle led to the Emancipation Proclamation.

Dec 13, 1862

Fredericksburg

In Virginia, Confederate General Lee defeated Union General Burnside. Stops the final Union advance of 1862.

Jan 1, 1863

Emancipation Proclamation

Document ment to free all southern slaves. Lincoln did this because it could be seen as a military and was therefore in his power to enforce. Didn't actually free any slaves, but led them to rebel and run away.

May 2, 1863

Battle of Chancellorsville

Ended May 4, 1863. In Virginia, Confederate General Lee defeated Union General Hooker. Lee had just soundly beat an army that outnumbered him 2 to 1, but Jackson was killed.

May 18, 1863

Siege of Vicksburg

Ended July 4, 1863. In Mississippi, Union General Grant defeated Confederate General Pemberla. Goal in the west to take the Mississippi river completed.

Jul 1, 1863

Gettysburg

Ended July 3, 1863. In Pennsylvania, Union General Meade defeated Confederate General Lee. Bloodest battle of the war with over 43,000 casualities. South would never again invade the north after this battle.