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Lawrence Mill Fire
250 people die after a mill in Lawrence, Mass. catches fire. -
Davis' Stance on Slavery
Jefferson Davis Mississippi senator and future president of the confederate states expresses his opinion that the rightd of slave holders should be protected. -
Shoemaker Strike
Over 20,000 workers go on strike after wage cuts -
Lincoln's Stance on Slavery
Lincoln expresses his opionion about slaves saying he wants to free them -
The Pony Express
The Pony Express begins creating quicker communication between lands in the west and the frontier, it is quickly replaced by the telegraph, a major communication device of the Civil War. -
Lincoln Represents New Republican Party
Lincoln is chosen to represent the Republican Party in the upcoming Presidential Election. -
Lincoln Elected President
Lincoln is elected president -
Crittenden Compromise
the secession of many Southern states John J. Crittenden, proposed that Congress should address the problems of Southern slaves to prevent more states from seceeding. -
South Carolina Secedes from the Union
After an unanimous decision from state leaders, South Carolina decides to secede from the Union, and withdraw from US politics. -
Secretary of War Floyd Resigns
Secretary of War, John Floyd resigns. It is later found out that he supplied the South with guns and supplies for the war effort, -
Kansas' Statehood
Kansas is entered into the Union as a state, although there is much discussion and conflict on whether it is a free or slave state. -
Formation of the Confederate States of America
The Confederate States of America is formed, and Jefferson Davis is chosen as President -
Congressional Ratification of Confederate Constitution
CSA Congress ratifies the Confederate Constitution making it the new law of the land. -
Attack on Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter is fired on by Confederate troops and artillery, early on the morning of the 12th, although there are no casualties, Lincoln justifies it as a means to declare war. -
Virginia Secedes
Virginia secedes from the Union, creating what will be a main battlefield of the Civil War -
Proclamation of Blockade
Lincoln declares that the navy is to blockade all Southern ports to prevent supplies from reaching the South, this is also a key component of the Anaconda Plan. -
First Battle of Bull Run
The Confederates secure the first victory in the war, in a battle along a small creek, just outside Manassas, VA. This provides a big morale boost for the South -
McClellan Appointed Leader of the Army of the Potomac
General George McClellan is appointed leader of the Army of the Potomac following Irvin McDowell's loss at the First Battle of Bull Run -
McClellan in Charge of Union Forces
McClellan is now put in charge of all Union forces, due to his brilliant military trainning, and Lincoln's need or a quick end to the war. -
Trent Affair
A US ship captures British Ambassadors to the South, increasing already strained tensions between Great Britain and the United States. -
Grant's Capture of Tennessee Forts
Ulysses S. Grant capture Fort Henry and Fort Donelson, giving the Union a foothold along the Tennessee River and earning Grant his nickname, "Unconditional Surrender" -
Willie Lincoln Dies
Son of Abraham Lincoln, Willie, dies from a fever in the White House, adding to Lincoln's already building stress from the war. -
Merrimac and Monitor Battle
The Southern warship the 'Merrimac', and the Union warship the 'Monitor' battle it out on the water. The battle ends in a draw, and it the first major naval battle of the Civil War between ironclad ships. -
Battle of Shiloh
Union troops are taken by surprise, but still remain victorious in a caualty heavy battle outside a small church along the Tennessee River. -
Blockade of New Orleans
Naval Commander David Farragut blockades the key Sothern port of New Orleans, further hurting the already suffering Southern economy. -
The Second Battle of Bull Run
Confederate Generals Jackson and Longstreet defeat Union forces again, forcing them to retreat to Washington. Ths gives way to Lee being able to move troops North. -
Battle of Antietam
The single bloodiest one day battle in US history, the Union win the Battle of Antietam but McClellan fails to chase after retreating Confederate forces. -
Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation
Following a Union victory at Antietam, Lincoln first introduces the Emancipation Proclamation warning the South to rejoin the Union or lose all their slaves. -
McClellan is Fired
McClellan is replaced as leader of the Army of the Potomac, after Lincoln believes he is too hesitant an could have ended the war long before now. -
Battle of Fredericksburg
A costly Union defeat, forces troops to back off the heavily fortified position of the Confederates -
Emancipation Proclamation
Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all slaves in rebelling terrirtories. It is also the start of total abolishment of slavery. -
Conscription in the North
The US puts forth a drat for men aged 25 to 40, unless they pay for war eforts or send someone in their place. -
Battle of Chancelorsville
General Lee defeats General Hooker despite being outnumbered, however Southern General, 'Stonewall' Jackson is injured in the battle and later succumbs to his injuries. -
"Stonewall" Jackon Dies
Southern General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson dies several days after his own troops mistook him as a Union soldier and accidentally wounded him. His military strength allowed him to lead the South in many early victories. -
George Meade Appointed
Lincoln appoints George Meade as the leader of the Army of the Potomac, he will lead Union troops in the Battle at Gettysburg -
Battle of Gettysburg
This 3 day battle resulted in a major victory to the Union side, and would force Lee to never fight in the North again. This is the turning point of the war, possibly one of the most famous battles in American history. -
Siege of Vicksburg
General Grant wins the Siege of Vicksburg, after six weeks. The Union now have control of the Mississippi River, accomplishing part two of the Anaconda Plan. -
Frederick Douglass on Troop Equality
Frederick Douglass meets with President Lincoln in order to improve conditions for African-American troops, including euality for all troops. -
'Bleeding Kansas'
A large pro-slavery group slaughters innocent men and boys in Lawrence, Kansas, to protest the Union's actions -
Gettysburg Address
President Lincoln gives one of the most famous speeches in world history, dedicating the battlefield as a National Cemetery for everyone who bravely gave their lives fighting for their cause. -
General Grant in Charge of Union Forces
Lincoln apppoints General Grant as leader of all Union forces, while General William Tecumseh Sherman will take Grant's position as leader of Union forces in the West. -
The Overland Campaign
Union Forces begin their final plan to end the war. General Grant takes his troops towards Richmond, VA to take the Confederate capital, while Sherman marches to Atlanta on a path of destruction. -
Battle of the Wilderness
This was the first battle of the Overland Campaign, Lee and Grant's confrontation ended in a draw. There was also many casualties for both sides in the battle. -
Battle of Spotsylvania
The second major battle of Grant's Overland campaign, resulted in heavy casualties for both sides over a two week stretch, however Grant continued his push towards Richmond. -
Battle of Cold Harbor
This battle was a complete disaster for Grant in which he lost 7,000 men in twenty minutes. This forced him to slow down and re-evaluate his push onto Richmond, as he knew he would only face more and more resistance from Lee. -
McClellan for President
Former Union General George McClellan is nominated on the Democrat side, to run for President againt Lincoln who is looking to be re-elected in a pivotal point in the war. -
Sherman Captures Atlanta
Sherman captures the Southern city of Atlanta, a major accomplishment that would increase Lincoln's support for re-election. Sherman will now begin his March to the Sea -
Lincoln is Re-Elected
Abraham Lincoln is Re-Elected with a startling 212 of 233 electoral votes. The Union's recent success in the war gave him the support he needed to easily defeat, McClellan. -
Army of Tennessee is Defeated
General Hood of the South's Tennessee Army loses 23,000 as is effectively unable to fight when they met with 55,000 Union troops in Nashville -
Sherman Reaches Savannah
Sherman completes his March to the Sea arriving at Savannah, GA, leaving in his path, mass destruction, fire, looting, and destroyed railroad tracks. -
Congress Approves the 13th Amendment
The US Congress approves the 13th Amendment awaiting state ratification. This will abolish all slavery in the United States. -
Failed Peace at Hampton Roads
President Lincoln meets with Confederate Vice President, Alexander Stephens, but nothing comes of it, and they cannot reach peace. -
Fall of Petersburg
The Union army makes a final push through Lee's troops at Petersburg and onto the Confederate capital of Richmond -
Lee Surrenders
General Lee Surrenders to General Grant at Appomattox Court House.Grant generously lets them surrender without too much trouble -
Lincoln is Shot
Lincoln is shot during a play at Ford's Theater, the bullet strikes him in the back of the head. He is moved across the street to be worked on by doctors. -
Lincoln Dies
Lincoln dies on the morning of the 15th from the bullet. Vice President Andrew Johnson is sworn in as President amidst the chaos -
Johnston Surrenders to Sherman
Confederate General Johnston surrenders to Sherman in North Carolina, shortly following Lee's surrender -
John Wilkes Booth is Shot
The manhunt for Lincoln's assassain ends, when officers shoot and kill John Wilkes Booth in a barn in Virginia -
13th Amendment is Ratified
The 13th Amendment is ratified, officially abolishing slavery in the United States -
Daylight Bank Robbery
A bank robbery occurs in the middle of the day in Liberty, Missouri. This begins a long string of bank robberies by Jesse James and his gang of criminals. -
Minting the Nickel
The US Mint adds the nickel into circulation while removing the half dime. -
Winfield Scott Dies
Former Union General Winfield Scott, dies. Although due to poor health his involvement in the Civil War was limited, he is the longest serving General in United States history. -
Great Fire of Portland
A large fire broke out in Portland, Maine forcing thousands out of their home, creating problems in the North, while the South was still trying to rebuild. -
Tennessee is Readmitted
Tennessee is the first state to be readmitted to the Union beginning the long and laborous process of Reconstruction -
General of the Army
Congress creates the rank of 'General of the Army'. Grant is given the title for his outstanding leadershp and effort during the war. -
Atlantic Telegraph Cable
The Atlantic Telegraph cable, which is a transcontinential telegraph wire, is finally completed, allowing for quick communication across the world. -
14th Amendment is Ratified28 Jul 1866
The 14th Amendment is ratified giving African-Americans citizen's rights -
Metric System Legalized
Congress legalizes the use of the metric system in weight and measurement units. -
2nd Attempt at the Russian-American Telegraph
The 2nd attempt to create a telegraph line from San Francisco to Moscow, Russia in order to link the US to Eastern European powers. The plan failed and cost the country $3,000,000 -
Right to Vote
Congress grants African-Americans the right to vote, despite President Johnson's veto -
Peabody Education Fund
The Peabody Education Fund raised money for to educate African-Americans in the South allowing them to live a brighter future -
First Reconstruction Act
Congress divides the South into military districts so they can be more efficiently controlled, and martial law can better be enforced -
Second Reconstruction Act
This act designated that the people in charge of the military districts in the South, would stage elections and be in charge of almost everything in their terrirtory. -
Lincoln Memorial
Congress first approves the building of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC to commemorate the late President.
