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Bull Run/Manassas
It was from August 29, 1862 to August 30, 1862. The first and second battle occurred 25 miles from Washington D.C. People would go there and have picnics while watching the battle happen. Lincoln decided to attack and send 30,000 Union troops and they went on the offensive side. Overall, the southern victory dispelled hopes of a short battle. -
Battle of Antietam
It was the bloodiest battle in the war with 24,000 to 26,000 deaths. Union soldiers had found General Lee’s battle plans and learned that Lee and Jackson’s armies were separated. When finding this out McClellan caught up with Lee near Antietam Creek but failed to pursue and was removed from commander. This was also the “victory” Lincoln needed to launch the Emancipation Proclamation. -
Siege of Vicksburg
It lasted 6 weeks from May 18, 1863 to July 4,1863. It was one of the few remaining strongholds on Mississippi River. The Union was on the way to controlling Mississippi River and splitting the South in half so they needed to get Vicksburg to do so. -
Gettysburg
It was from July 1,1863-July 3,1863. On the first day Confederate soldiers searching for supplies encounter Union cavalry on patrol. On the second day Confederate forces drive Union troops from town. Finally on the third day it was the high tide of the battle. Casualties were 23,000 for the North and for the South there were 28,000.
