Civil War Battles

Fort Sumter

Apr 14, 1861

Fort Sumter off of Charelston, SC was still occupied by Union forces. They lacked food and other resources, so the Union was attempting to send some to them. On April 14, Confederates on the coast of SC began to attack the fort, which fell after 40 hours of fighting. The Union troops were allowed to leave safely. 0 casualties

1st Battle of Bull Run

Jul 21, 1861

First major battle of the Civil War. Fought in Manasses Junction, VA, only 30 miles from Washington, D.C. Senators and their wives watched from behind the lines as the north was defeated. Led to Lincoln asking for more volunteers. 2900 caualties

Ironclad Ships Battle

Mar 9, 1862

First time in history that ironclad ships engaged in battle. Neither side came out a victor. TheConfederate Ironclad, the Merrimac, was a rebuilt wooden vessel with iron all around it. It had already sunk Union vessels in the previous months. The Union created their own Inronclad, the Monitor, in response.

Battle of Antietam

Sep 17, 1862

Lee took command of the Confederate forces and planned to take the fight to the enemy. They crossed the Potomac River into Maryland, but was blocked from Washington, D.C. by Union troops. The battle took place in Sharpsburgh, near Antietam Creek. Lee withdrew. 23,100 casualties

Battle of Gettysburgh

Jul 1, 1863

Lee invaded Pennsylvania in June 1863, in hopes of threatening Washington and Philadelphia, but he also wanted recognition and independence for the confederacy. Lee's Army of Virginia met the Army of the Potomac led by General George G. Meade. The battle lasted 3 days and Lee's forces retreated into Virginia. 51,000 casualties

Sherman's March to the Sea

May 30, 1864

William T. Sherman left Tennesse with 100,000 soldiers and were heading to the Atlantic Ocean. They marched to Atlanta, GA and then to the Atlantic Ocean. On this 300 mile march the troops destroyed everything in a 60 mile width. 12,140 casualties

1st Battle of Fort Fisher

Dec 23, 1864

Union forces attempted to capture the fort, located in Wilmington, NC. It was the last major Confederate port on the Atlantic Ocean. Ended Dec. 27. The Union was unsuccessful. 320 casualties

2nd Battle of Fort Fisher

Jan 13, 1865

Joint assault between the Union Army and naval forces. Lasted until Jan. 15 when the fortification was finally captured. All outside trade collapsed for the Confederacy. 1500 casualties

Appomatax Courthouse

Apr 9, 1865

Final showdown between General Lee and General Grant. Lee surrendered at Appomatam Courthouse, VA. 700 casualties.

Confederate's Surrender

May 26, 1865

The war is OVER!