-
Abraham Lincoln
He is elected president and received 180 of 303 electoral votes and 40% of the popular vote. -
Fort Sumter Attacked
At 4:30 a.m. Confederates under General Pierre Beauregard open fire with 50 cannons on Fort Sumter, which marks the beginning o the Civil War. -
Proclamation of Blockade
Pres. Lincoln issues a blockade against southern ports, which limits the ability for the South to stay well supplied for the duration of the war. -
First Bull Run
The union army suffers a defeat and they then realize that it is going to be a long war. Thomas Jackson earns the nickname "stonewall" here. -
George B. McClellan
Lincoln appoints George B. McClellan as Commander of the Department of the Potomac, replacing McDowell. -
Shiloh
Confederate surprise attack on Gen. Ulysses Grant's unprepared troops at Shiloh on the Tennessee River. -
Antietam
This is the bloodiest day in US military history, leaving 26,000 men dead, wounded, or missing. -
Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation
This proclamation was issued by president lincoln and freed slaves. -
Fredericksburg
The army of the Potomac suffers a costly defeat at Fredericksburg in Virginia with a loss of over 12,000 men. -
Final Emancipation Proclamation
Lincoln issues this, which frees all slaves in territories held by the confederates and emphasizes the enlisting of black soldiers in the Union army. -
Chancellorsville
The union army is defeated by Lee's much smaller force as a result of Lee's daring tactics. -
Gettysburg
The tide of war turns against the south as the confederates are defeated by the union army. -
Cold Harbor
This was a costly mistake by Grant that resulted in the death of 7,000 casualties in 20 minutes. -
March to the Sea
After destroying Atlanta's warehouses and railroad facilities, Sherman begins a march to the sea. -
Lee Surrenders
Lee surrenders to Grant at the village of Appomattox Court House in Virginia.
