Reconstruction Timeline

Robert E. Lee Surrenders

Apr 8, 1865

Robert E. Lee surrenders to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House

Reconstruction of America

Apr 11, 1865

Abraham Lincoln calls for a reconstruction of the country.

First act of terror by Southern Insurgency

Apr 14, 1865

John Wilkes Boothe assassinated Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theater as the American Civil War was drawing to a close.

Slavery Abolished in the United States

Dec 6, 1865

13th Amendment ratified. Black Codes was also enacted, (laws imposed in the southern states to restrict the rights of African Americans)

Ku Klux Klan Begins

Dec 24, 1865

The Klan is the first of many secret terrorist organizations organized in the South for the purpose of reestablishing white authority.

Civil Rights Act of 1866

Apr 9, 1866

African Americans were granted citizenship, and were insured equal rights.

The former Union general becomes the 18th president

Nov 3, 1868

Ulysses S. Grant elected president

First black senator elected.

Feb 23, 1870

Hiram Revels of Mississippi elected to U. S. Senate as the first black senator.

Ku Klux Klan Act

Apr 1, 1871

Congress passes the Ku Klux Klan Act, a more far-reaching reform than the Enforcement Acts. This is the first time that specific crimes committed by individuals are deemed punishable by federal law.

First Black Governor

Dec 9, 1872

P. B. S. Pinchback becomes the first black man to serve as an acting state governor in Louisiana, for one month (until 13 January 1873).