Timeline of Key Events-Civil War

  • South Carolina Secceeds from the Union

    Causes the begininng of the Confederate's of U.S. because after they left they influenced other states the leave the Union aswell.
  • The South Secedes

    When Abraham Lincoln, who openly anit-slavery, was elected President the South Carolina legislature saw a threat. They then called a state convention and voted to remove South Carolina from the Union. This was followed by the secession of six more states, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisianna, and Texas. And the threat of secession by four more, Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. These eleven states would form the Confederate States of America.
  • The South Creates their own Government

    At a convention in Montgomery, Alabama, the seceding states created the Confederate Constitution. This was a document that was similar to the American Constitution but with greater stress on the autonomy of each individual state. Jefferson Davis was named the President of the Confederacy until elections could be held.
  • The South Seized Federal Forts

    When Lincoln's predecessor at President refused to surrender southern federal forts to the seceding states, the southern troops seized them. At Fort Sumter troops turned away a supply ship that was trying to reach federal forces based in the fort, the ship was forced to return to New York with it's supplies undelivered.
  • Battle of Bull Run

    Fought near Manassas, Virginina. The Union army originally succeeds in driving back the Confederate army, but the arival of new troops sends the Union army to retreat, leading to a victory for the Confederates.
  • Battle of first ironclad Ships

    The Naval battle between the Union's USS Moniter, and the Confederate's USS Merrimack. This is the first naval battle between "ironclad" or iron-coated ships.
  • Battle of SHiloh

    First major battle in Tennessee. The Confederate general Albert Sidney Johnston who was considered one of the finest officers of the South was killed on the first day. Union victory further solidified the career of Ulysses S. Grant.
  • Battle of Antietam

    The single bloodiest day of the Civil War. Union victory, and following the victory Abraham Lincoln announced his Emmancipation Proclamation.
  • Emancipation Proclamation

    Abraham Lincoln''s executive order that all slaves must be freed in the Confederate U.S.
  • The Battle of Fredericksburg

    Union General Burnside is horribly defeated by Lee's forces. This mark's the end of Burnsides career, and builds false confidence for the confederates.
  • Escape from Libby Prison

    After weeks of digging 109 Union officers finally made their escape from the notorious Lobby Prison, which was the largest escape of the war.
  • First Successful Submarine Attack

    The CSS H.L Hunley was a seven man submarine that attacked the USS Houstonic outside of Charleston, South Carolina. When struck by the submarines torpito the Houstanic broke apart and sank, however the Hunley also sank immediately after the attack.
  • Camp Sumter Prison Camp Opens

    This camp would become notorious for overcrowded conditions and a high death rate among it's inmates.
  • Ulysses S. Grant appointed Lieutenant General

    This was a rank revived at the request of President Lincoln. The following day Grant assumes command of all Union forces.
  • Capture of Fort Pillow, Tennessee

    After the Confederate troops had already surrendered they were fired upon by the angry Union troops which led to major controversy.
  • Battle of the WIlderness

    General Grant issued orders for the campaign to begin. Lee responded by attacking the Union column in dense woods in an area known as the WIlderness.
  • Beginning of Atlanta Campaign

    General WIlliam T. Sherman marched south from under Tennessee into Georgia with objective to capture the city of Atlanta.
  • Abe Lincoln Second Term

    Abraham Lincoln was elected into his second term as President of the U.S.
  • Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse

    Lee officially signs the document of surrender to the Union. On APril 12th the Confederate army is disbanded.
  • President Abraham Lincoln is assassinated

    President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John WIlkes Booth. On the same day Fort Sumter is reoccupied by Union troops.