Civil War Timeline

Confederate States formed

Feb 9, 1861

The Confederate States of America is formed with Jefferson Davis, a West Point graduate and former U.S. Army officer as their president.

Abraham Lincoln sworn into office.

Mar 4, 1861

Him being sworn into Office made the South of the United States was infuriated because he was against any form of slavery.

Attack on Fort Sumter

Apr 12, 1861

The Confederates surprise attacked Union soldiers at Fort Sumter, South Carolina.

Proclamation

Apr 19, 1861

President Lincoln issues a Proclamation of Blockade against Southern ports.

Bull Run

Jul 21, 1861

The Union Army suffers defeat at Bull Run 25 miles from Washington.

President Lincoln revokes unauthorized military proclamation of emancipation

Sep 11, 1861

General John C. Frémont has an unauthorized military proclamation of emancipation in Missouri. President relieves Gen. Frémont of his job and replaces him with General David Hunter.

General War No. 1

Jan 31, 1862

President Lincoln issues General War Order number 1 calling for all US naval and land forces to begin a advance by February 22.

Call to War

Jan 31, 1862

President Lincoln issues General War Order No. 1 calling for all United States naval and land forces to begin a general advance by February 22nd.

Lincoln's Son

Feb 20, 1862

President Lincoln is struck with grief as his son, Willie, dies from fever.

Battle of Hampton Roads

Mar 9, 1862

This was a battle that neither the North or South won. This battle is important for that reason and because it marked the end of the wooden era. New stage with metal ships and more metal materials were introduced to the war.

Second Battle of Bull Run

Aug 29, 1862

5,000 soldiers under General John Pope are defeated by 55,000 soldiers under General Stonewall Jackson and General James Longstreet at the second battle of Bull Run in northern Virginia.

Emancipation Proclamation

Sep 22, 1862

Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves issued by President Lincoln.

Fredericksburg

Dec 13, 1862

Army of the Potomac under Gen. Burnside suffers a costly defeat at Fredericksburg in Virginia.

Gettysburg

Jul 1, 1863

Union victory and this battle is significant because it is seen as the end for the South because the North was still holding on strong to come out victorious.

Chattanooga

Nov 25, 1863

Chattanooga ends as Union forces under Grant beat the army of General Braxton Bragg. During the battle, one of the most dramatic moments of the war happens.

March to the Sea

Nov 15, 1864

After destroying Atlanta's warehouses and railroad facilities, Sherman began a March to the Sea. President Lincoln approved the idea.