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Abraham Lincoln Wins a Close Election
Though his name did not even appear on the ballot of most states, due to his number of electoral votes, Abraham Lincoln wins the race for President of the United States, much to the dismay of the Southern states. -
South Carolina Secedes from the Union.
South Carolina is the first Southern state to secede the Union, causing other Southern states, such as MS, FL, AL, GA, LA, and TX to secede as well, causing turmoil. -
Lincoln's Inauguration
In his inaugural speech, Lincoln gives a warning to the South, letting them know that he will not tolerate secession. -
The Confederate Constitution Signed
The Constitution of the Confederate States of America is signed in Montgomery, AL, the Confederate States creating their "own" government. -
The Civil War Begins
Confederate forces fire on Union forces stationed at Fort Sumter in Charleston, SC. The Civil War officially begins. -
Virginia Secedes from the Union
Starting on April 17, 1861, and over the next month, the states of VA, AR, TN, and NC secede from the Union. -
Lincoln Requests an Army
Abraham Lincoln appeals to Congress and asks for an enlistment of a Union Army. Congress allows for a call of 500,000 men, making it clear that this War Between the States will not be short. -
First Battle at Bull Run
In the first battle of the Civil War, Union General Irvin McDowell stands against the new Confederate army, and their fearless general, Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. McDowell is defeated due to the Confederacy sending them into a panicked retreat all the way back to Washington. -
Battle of Shiloh
Union General Ulysses S. Grant is surprised by the Confederate army, in Tennessee. This clash ensues a massive two day battle in which 13,000 Union and 10,000 Confederate casualties, more than in all previous American wars combined. The Union wins. -
The Second Battle at Bull Run
The second battle at Bull Run is an amazing victory for the Confederate General, Stonewall Jackson. The new Union general, John Pope, was blamed for the loss of the battle, General McClellan taking his place. -
The Battle of Antietam
The Battle of Antietam is the bloodiest battle in American history. Over 26,000 men were killed, wounded, or missing in action, all in one day. This battle brings an end to General Robert E. Lee's invasion of Maryland, and he retreats back to Virginia. -
Emancipation Proclamation
Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed all slaves in the territories captured by the Union, and ordered for the enlistment of African American soldiers. From this point on, the Civil War was a war on slavery. -
Gettysburg
From July 1 - July 4, the Union Army under General Maude defeats General Robert E. Lee's army at Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. Gettysburg, the turning point of the war, was the Confederacy's first great loss, as well as one of the bloodiest battles in the war. -
Vicksburg
After a long siege, General Ulysses S. Grant takes Vicksburg. At this point, the Union controls the entire Mississippi River, cutting the Confederacy in two. -
Sherman's March to the Sea
On November 16, Union General Sherman began his famous march, cutting a large path of destruction all throughout Georgia. -
Surrender at Appomattox
After long years of battle and increasing devastation in the South, Union General Ulysses S. Grant requests to Confederate General Robert E. Lee to surrender. The two generals agree to meet at Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia, where Lee surrenders to Grant. The war was finally over.
