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Southern states begin seceding from the US.
Abraham Lincoln is elected as US President and southern states begin seceding. This event set the stage for the American Civil War. -
Civil War starts at Ft. Sumter
Fort Sumter is attacked by SC troops because they felt it was no longer a part of the USA and the federal troops needed to leave. Abraham Lincoln called for US troops to defend the fort and the American Civil War had begun. -
Battle of Manassas or Bull Run
Manassas or Bull Run was the first major battle of the American Civil War. Both sides thought the war would be short and that their side would win. This battle proved that both sides were strong and peace would not come quickly or without cost to both sides. -
Turning point -- Battle of Gettysburg
Gen. Lee's army went into northern territory looking for supplies and a strong victory. Lee's troops ran into US troops in Gettysburg, PA on July 1, 1863 and this major battle lasted 3 days. Gen. Lee's army lost and retreated back into southern territory. -
Battle of Vicksburg
Gen. Ulysses Grant ended a three month siege of Vicksburg, MS with a victory over Confederate troops on this date. Pres. Lincoln, recognizing that Grant's skills were exactly what he needed to end the war and defeat the South, asked Gen. Grant to lead the US Army. -
Lee Surrenders to Grant
Gen. Robert E. Lee accepts defeat and surrenders to Gen. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia.
