The Civil War By hammer.167 Sep 6, 1860 Lincoln Elected President Abraham Lincoln Elected president of the US. Feb 9, 1861 The Confederate States Form Apr 12, 1861 The South Attacks South makes first attack on Fort Sumter. Thus began the Civil War. Jun 21, 1861 Battle of Bull Run The Union gets beat in the battle of Bull Run Apr 9, 1865 General Lee Surrenders The slaves are henceforth free due to the victory of the North.