The American Civil War

Lincoln's Election

Nov 6, 1860

Lincoln elected President of the United States.

South Carolina Secedes

Dec 20, 1860

South Carolina becomes the first state to secede from the Union.

Confederate States Formed

Feb 9, 1861

The Confederate States of America is formed and Jefferson Davis is elected president.

Lincoln Sworn In

Mar 4, 1861

Abram Lincoln is sworn in as the nation's 16th president.

Fort Sumter

Apr 12, 1861

Confederate troops attack government soldiers at Fort Sumter, South Carolina.

Call for Army Volunteers

Apr 15, 1861

President Lincoln calls for 75,000 army volunteers.

Virginia Secedes

Apr 17, 1861

Virginia secedes from the Union.

Naval Blockade

Apr 19, 1861

President Lincoln orders a naval blockade of all Confederate ports.

Arkansas and Tennessee Secede

May 6, 1861

Arkansas and Tennessee secede from the Union.

North Carolina Secedes

May 20, 1861

North Carolina secedes from the Union.

First Battle of Bull Run

Jul 21, 1861

Confederate army defeats the Union army at the First Battle of Bull Run in Virginia.

Battle of Wilson's Creek

Aug 10, 1861

Confederates win Battle of Wilson's Creek, the first major battle fought west of the Mississippi River.

Fort Donelson

Feb 16, 1862

General Ulysses S. Grant captures a Confederate army at Fort Donelson, Tennessee, the first major Union victory of the war.

Battle of Antietam

Mar 9, 1862

The ironclad ships USS Monitor and CSS Virginia battle ending in a draw. Casualties total 26,000 in the Battle of Antietam. Lee's invasion of the North ends in retreat.

Emancipation Proclamation

Jan 1, 1863

President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation. This document eventually frees all slaves.