Civil War Technology By emagnuson Period: Dec 1, 1775 to May 13, 1867 Time span Jul 2, 1776 America gains Independedce from Britain Mar 14, 1809 Madison is elected president Jan 1, 1820 Joshua Shaw Invents the Percussion Cap Aug 8, 1829 First steam locomotive is tested Jan 1, 1848 Minie Ball was developed by the French Jan 1, 1848 Christian Sharps Develops his rifle Jan 1, 1855 First Springfield Gun W/ rifling Jan 1, 1860 Benjamin Tyler Henry develops the famous Henry Rifle Feb 8, 1861 The Confederacy is born Apr 12, 1861 Battle of Fort Sumter Jan 1, 1862 Lincoln signs the Pacific Railway Act Jul 1, 1863 First battle of Gettysgurg May 13, 1865 The last Battle of the Civil War