Civil War Timeline

Lincoln Elected

Nov 6, 1860

He had no plans to end slavery in states that it already existed and did not accept succession. He hoped to resolve the national crisis without warfare.

Fort Sumter

Apr 12, 1861

The commander of the fort Robert Anderson, was asked to surrender immediately. He said he would, but only after he had ran out weapons. His offer was rejected and they started to fire.

Lincoln ordered the Blockade

Apr 19, 1861

The federal navy had to be improved and they used ships.

1st Bull Run

Jul 21, 1861

This was the first great battle of the Civil War. The battle was fought at Manassas Junction near Bull Run Creek, only 30 miles south of Washington, D. C.

Monitor vs. Virgina

Mar 9, 1862

Ironclad ship Virginia(confederates) sunk 2 wooden Union ships then the Union also made a iron ship (the Monitor)- changed ship warfare for forever

Shiloh

Apr 6, 1862

Grant captured many forts in Tennessee. The South lost.

7 Days Campaign

Jun 25, 1862

They fought a series of battles: Mechanicsville (June 26-27), Gaines's Mill (June 27), Savage's Station (June 29), Frayser's Farm (June 30), and Malvern Hill (July 1). The Confederates withdrew to Richmond.

2nd Battle of Bull Run

Aug 28, 1862

Attacked the Union and it turned into a disaster.

Antietam

Sep 17, 1862

Robert E. Lee told the Confederates to fight. He crossed the Potomac River into Maryland. Union troops battled in Sharpsburg. Lee withdrew troops.

Emancipation Proclamation Issued

Sep 22, 1862

Union generals declared slaves escaping to their lines (contraband war) that they weren’t returned to their masters. Congress passed an act that all slaves from the Union be considered free.

Emancipation Proclamation takes effect

Jan 1, 1863

President Lincoln signed the final Emancipation Proclamation, which ended slavering in rebelling states.

Battle at Chancellorsville

Apr 30, 1863

Union General Hooker crossed the Rappahannock River to attack General Lee's forces. The Union army almost completely defeated them.

Battle of Gettysburg

Jul 1, 1863

The battle with the largest number of casualties

Siege of Vicksburg

Jul 4, 1863

Grant surrounded the fort. On July 4th they surrendered. The North gained control of the Mississippi river.

Gettysburg Address

Nov 19, 1863

The high marker of the Confederacy. It was also significant because it ended the hope of the Confederate hopes to be recognition by foreign governments.

Battle at Chattanooga

Nov 23, 1863

Union forces pushed Confederate troops away.

Ulysses S. Grant takes over the Union Army

Mar 10, 1864

Lincoln tells general Grant to command all armies of the United States. William T. Sherman accepts Grant as commander.

Abraham Lincoln re-elected

Nov 8, 1864

He ran against George B. McClellan. Elections were held in the Union states and he won by more than 400,000 votes.

Sherman captured Atlanta

Nov 15, 1864

Captured Atlanta which was a major confederate railroad junction.

Sherman begins march to the sea

Nov 16, 1864

William T Sherman left Tennessee with 100,000 troops. Soldiers burned and destroyed everything within 60 miles.

Savannah, GA falls to the Union

Dec 21, 1864

Sherman telegraphs Lincoln offering him Savannah as a Christmas present.

13th Amendment passed

Jan 31, 1865

Officially outlawed slavery except as a punishment for a crime.

Union Army moves in and occupies Richmond, VA.

Apr 3, 1865

Union troops to take over Richmond and Petersburg.

Robert E. Lee Surrenders

Apr 9, 1865

He surrenders after Fort Sumter. The Union won the Civil war and got control of the Mississippi and put a stop to slavery.

Abraham Lincoln shot and killed

Apr 14, 1865

Shot in head by John Wilkes Booth, a member of a group to kill Lincoln.