Civil War Timeline By b_matthis Nov 6, 1860 Lincoln's Election Dec 20, 1860 South Carolina secedes followed by 6 other states Mar 4, 1861 Lincoln Takes Office Apr 15, 1861 Fall of Fort Sumter Jul 21, 1861 1st Battle of Bull Run Sep 17, 1862 Antietam Sep 22, 1862 Lincoln Issues Emancipation Proclamation May 18, 1863 Beginning of Battle of Vicksburg Jul 1, 1863 Beginning of Battle of Gettysburg Jul 3, 1863 End of Battle of Gettysburg Jul 4, 1863 End of Battle of Vicksburg Mar 12, 1864 Grant Named Supreme Commander Nov 8, 1864 Lincoln's Re-Election Nov 15, 1864 Beginning of Sherman's March to the Sea Dec 21, 1864 End of Sherman's March to the Sea Apr 9, 1865 Lee Surrenders to Grant Apr 15, 1865 Lincoln Dies from Gunshot Wound