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Period: to
January 1, 1860 through December 31, 1867
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Jefferson Davis Supports Slavery
President of the Confederate States of America speaks out about why he supports slavery and why it should be permitted in the territories. He also spoke about why slaveholders should be protected. -
Pony Express
The Pony Express begins going from Saint Louis, Missouri to Sacremento, California. It had 119 stations that were each 12 miles apart. The Pony Express allowed a faster way to deliever mail. -
Constitutional Union Party
Members from the Whig Party and American Party met up to for this Party in Baltimore. John Bell was elected to be their candidate for president and Edward Everett as candidate for vice president. -
Republican Convention
Republican Convention is held in Chicago, Illinois. William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase and Abraham Lincoln of Illinois are the leading contenders from a field of 12 candidates. -
National Democratic convention
Southern delegates hold a National Democratic convention in Richmond. Party leaders urge a "wait and see" approach. -
Writing to Lincoln
An 11 year old girl, Grace Bedell, writes to President Lincoln conserning his beard. She tells him that he should let it grow out and afterwards, Lincoln allows for his beard to grow in. -
Abraham Lincoln Elected 16th President of United States
Abe Lincoln of Illinois won the 1860 Presidential Election to become the 16th President. Lincoln defeated his competitor Stephen Douglas. -
Southerners start resigning
James Chesnut becomes the first Southerner to resign from the Senate. He is quickly followed by James H. Hammond -
Southern Seccession is Wanted
Seven senators and twenty-three representatives issue a manifesto urging southern secession. This manifesto recommends forming a Southern Confederacy. -
South Carolina Secedes from the Union.
After Linclon being elected South Carolona felt they had no power in government and so they seceded. South Carolina was the first state to secede. -
Kansas is a state
Kansas was admitted as a state on January 29, 1861. Kansas was a nonslave state. -
Confederate States of America Formed
Southern states seceeded from the Union to form the Confederate States of America. -
Jefferson Davis becomes President of the Confederate States of America
After the southern states seceded from the Union they needed a president. Two weeks before Lincolns inauguration Jefferson Davis was elected to be president of the Confederate States of America. -
Abraham Lincoln is inaugurated
Two weeks after Jefferson Davis being elected as president of the Confederate States of America Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated. This was one of the most controversial presidents there was because many in the North supported him however, many in the South did not. This caused major disputes. -
Fort Sumter
The Confederate states began taking over federal property in the South and demanded the Union surrender Fort Sumter. This event started the Civil War. -
Lincoln orders blockade
President Abe Lincoln ordered a blockade on all Confederate ports. This would no longer allow the Confederates to trade with other countries for supplies like guns and foods. Doing this made the South's time hard. -
Capital of the Confederacy is chosen
After being formed 3 months prior, the Confederate States of America finally chose a capital for themselves. The chosen capital was Richmond, Virginia which was not very far away from the Union's capital, Washington D.C. -
West Virginia is born!
In the western section of Virginia the people did not wish to secede from the Union with the rest of the state. On June 20, 1861 this section was admitted to the Union as the state of West Virginia. -
Confederate forces win a victory at the First Battle of Manassas
During the First Battle of Manassas Confederate General Thomas J. Jackson held strong and firm showing no mercy or fear. This gave him the win for his side and the infamous nickname "Stonewall" Jackson. -
George B. McClellan introduced
General-in-chief for the Union, Winfield Scott was aging. This is why on November 1, 1861 George B. McClellan at the age of thirty-four took his place. -
Ulysses S. Grant caputres Fort Henry
Union troops lead by Ulysses S. Grant capure Fort Henry, located on the Tennessee River. -
Ulysses S. Grant caputres Fort Donelson from the Confederates.
Within two weeks of each other Union leader Ulysses S. Grant captured two Confederate forts on the Tennessee River. These two fort captures were the biggest victories for the Union thus far in the war. -
McClellan is relieved of duty
After Lincoln ordered General McClellan to attack the Confederacy in January and McClellan ignordered this order, Lincoln was done with him. He moved McClellan to command the Army of the Potamac and attacj the Confederate capital, Richmond, VA. -
The Peninsular Campaign
McClellan lead his Army of the Potomac toward Yorktown, VA. This is what began the Peninsular Campaign. -
Shiloh
After moving to new grounds Union General Ulysses S. Grant did not care to send out a search party to scout out the area. This resulted in a surprise attack over night causing Grant to lose many of his men. However, he still prevailed. -
Conscription
In the Confederate states moral was begining to run low with a shortage of supplies and of men. This is why in April of 1862 the Confederacy began doing conscription enlisting men into the army. -
Union captures New Orleans
Commander David G. Farragut and his fleet of soldiers captured New Orleans. This was a major city for the South resulting in a major win for the North and a turning point in the war. -
Stonewall Jackson Defeats Union Forces
While Jackson was commanding the forces in the Shenandoah Valley. He and his men won the Battle of McDowell in Virginia. This forced the Union troops to retreat across the Potomac. -
Congress allows African Americans to fight
In July 1862 Congress passes a law. This law allowed African Americans to fight in the Union army. This gave the Union an upperhand in the war. -
Antietam
Antietam is known as the bloodiest single day battle (2,108 Union soldiers were killed and 9,549 wounded, 2,700 Confederates were killed and 9,029 wounded.). The battle had no clear winner but since General Lee was forced to retreat back to Virginia, McClellan was crowned as victor of this battle. -
Emancipation Proclamation
On January 1, 1863 President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. This Proclimation freed slaves. -
Food Riots
In some southern cities there was a food sortage becasue nobody had time to focus on their farms, they were too busy involved in the war. This caused prices to rise and fod riots to begin to break out. -
Battle of Chancellorsville
The Army of the Patomac went to battle with Lee's army. This battle was named the Battle of Chancellorsville. -
Battle of Gettysburg Ends
The Battle of Gettysburg ended after the Union forced the Confederate troops to retreat. This battle is considered the turning point of the war. -
Battle of Chancellorsville
After 4 days of intense battle, Lee's army defeated the Army of the Potomac. This loss prove hard for the Amr yof the Potomac. In this battle, "Stonewall" Jackson was wounded. -
"Stonewall" died.
On May 10, nearly a week after being wounded, "Stonewall" Jackson died. He was hurt at the Battle of Chancellorsville in the very beggining days of May. -
Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg took place in Pennsylvania. It was General George G. Meade's army verses Lee's. -
Vicksburg
Vicksburg was surreneder by the Confederates to Ulysses S. Grant. This victory secured the Mississippi River for the Union. -
Riots
Due to a low number of soldiers, the Union had to draft people into the war. This outraged people in New York and caused riots. -
Gettysburg Address
After the important Battle of Gettysburg was cleaned up, Lincoln had to read a speech in honor of the soldiers who fought. This speech was just a few minutes long and enraged people becasue they were expecting it to be hours long. The speech inevitably ended up creating the idea that all men are created equal. -
Ulysses S. Grant
After proving to be a strong general and to have the power to command an army well, Ulysses S Grant was promoted. This means he was given full authoirty to all of the armies. -
Battles at Spotsylvania Court House and Yellow Tavern
The Battles at Spotsylvania Court House and Yellow Tavern prevented Grant from getting to Richmond. Commander Jeb Stuart was killed at the Battle at Yellow Tavern on May 11. -
The USS Kearsarge sinks the CSS Alabama
The Confederate ship was making its way to Cherbourg, France to be fixed up for further use. However, the Union stopped this by having their ship, the USS Kearsarge sink it. -
The Battle of Cold Harbor
Union forces suffered many losses at The Battle of Cold Harbor. Having less men made it even more difficult for the Northern troops. -
Lincoln Signs a Bill
On June 28, President Lincoln signed a bill repealing the fugitive slave laws. These laws required the return of runaway slaves. This meant that now, if the slaves attempted escape and succeeded, they would never have to be returned. This was one step closer to freedom for the African Americans. -
Washington D.C. under attack
Washington D.C. was the North's capital. This meant everything important was there, and it was the place the South wished to take down the most. On July 11, Jubal Early's forces fired upon the capital sending panic throughout the city. -
Battle of Mobile Bay
Union Admiral David G. Farragut wins the Battle of Mobile Bay. He was equipped with a fleet of eighteen ships an upon entering was fired upon massively by Forts Gaines and Morgan. -
Atlanta, Georgia
General William T. Sherman captured the city of Atlanta from the Confederate army of John Bell Hood. This city was a major ammunition center for the South and thus, proved to be a helpful capture on the North's part. -
Lincoln Reelected!
No president since Andrew Jackson in 1832 had been reelected so even Abe himself had doubts of his reelection. However, Lincoln revcieved more votes then his competitor, George McClellan (his former General). -
Merry Christmas!
Sherman's army gained the city of Savannah with ease. Sherman gave the city to Lincoln as a Christmas present. -
Thirteenth Amendment
After a long hard fight, Congress finally passed the Thirteenth Amendment. This amendment abolished slavery throughout the United States. -
South Carolina Destroyed!
Columbia, South Carolina was practically fully destroyed by a massive fire. This fire is believed to have been started by Sherman's troops becasue they were marching down the South setting fire to all of the cities. -
Lincoln is inaugurated for his second term
After being reelected in the 1864 elections, President Abraham Lincoln is inaugurated for his second term. He is the first president in nearly 30 years to be reelected and inaugurated for the second time. -
The Appomattox campaign begins
General Lee's defenses at Petersburg, Virginia were moved upon by General Grant. This is what started The Appomattox campaign that inevitably ended the war, forcing the COnfederate General, Robert E. Lee to surrender. -
Confederate Government Evacuates the Capital
After the fall of Petersburg, the Confederate government ecavuated Richmond, VA. While trying to rally his men, General Ambrose Powell was killed. -
Unin Controls the Capital
The South's army is begining to break down and has little hope of winning the war left. After Petersburg was captured, the Confederate government left Richmond and allowing the North to control the South's capital. -
Appomattox
After losing their capital to the North, and the Appomattox campaign being completed, the North finally forced the South to surrender the war. General Lee surrendered to General Grant at Appomattox. -
President Lincoln is Shot
After the South surreneder to the North, actor John Wilkes Booth and many others were angry. This is why at Ford's Theatre John Wilkes Booth shot President Abraham Lincoln and fled. -
President Lincoln is Dead
After being shot by John Wilkes Booth, the President of the United States dies. On this same day Vice President Andrew Johnson is inaugurated as 17th President of the United States. -
John Wilkes Booth is Killed
After killing the President and fleeing, there is a hunt for John Wilkes Booth. He is found in a barn in Virginia and is shot dead. -
Capitol Dome is Completed
After realizing the first U.S. capitol dome was too small to meet its needs, they began construction on the second, and current, U.S. Capitol Dome. It took over 60 years to build this massive building. -
Civil Rights Act of 1866
The Civil Rights Act of 1866 was passed. This Act was vetoed by the president, but Congress overrode it and granted more rights to freed slaves. -
The Nickel is born
The minting of the nickel was passed by Congress. The nickel being worth five cents and taking place of the half dime. -
Judicial Circuits Act
The Judicial Circuits Act was passed by Congress. This Act reduced the number of United States circuits courts to nine and the number of Supreme Court justices to seven. -
Tennessee is readmitted
After the war the president said that after 10% of the states pleged alligance to the Union, they would be permitted to be readmitted. Tennessee was the first state to do so following the war. -
General of the Army
Congress passed legislation to authorize the rank of General of the Army which is now known as the "5 star General". General Ulysses S. Grant was the first to earn this honorable ranking. -
The National Union Convention
This convention was held in Philadelphia. The main goal of this convention was to make the Radical Republicans reconcile with Reconstructionist policies that President Andrew Johnson ordered. -
Swing Around the Circle
President Andrew Johnson went to the Swing Around the Circle to speak and help the Democratic Party win more popularity with the people for the upcoming elections. He also tried to gain support for the Reconstructoinist policies he ordered. -
Swing Around the Circle ends
After nearly three weeks after begining the Swing Around the Circle. After all of his apperances and speeches, President Andrew Johnson hopes he has gained support. -
House of Representatives Elections
In these elcetions, the Republicans continued to win and won by a landslide to the Democratic Party. Even though President Johnson appeared in the Swing Around the Circle campaigning for them. -
Ohio ratifies the 14th Amendment.
On January 4, 1867 Ohio ratified the Fourteenth Amendment. This Amendment states that state and federal citzenship for all persons regardless of race both born or naturalized in the United States was reaffirmed. -
African-American Men Can Vote!
After going through slavery, a war, and unequal treatment in the Disctrict of Columbia, African-American men are finally permitted to vote. This is a huge step in the Black Civil Rights Movement, and in America's History. -
Nebraska is a State
On March 1, 1867 the 37th State in the United States of America was admitted. This state was Nebraska. -
The First Reconstruction Act
The first reconstruction act sets up five military districts in the South, each under the control of a military commander. The Army Appropriations Act is passed, giving Johnson less control of the army. Lastly, passed is The Tenure Office Act which states that Johnson cannot remove cabinet members without the Senate's word. -
Alaska is Purchased
Previously owned by Alexander II of Russia, the United States bought Alaska for $7.2. This meant that it was only about 2 cents per acre. -
Atlantic Cable Quartz Lode
The Atlantic Cable Quartz Lode was founded. This gold mine is located in Montana. -
Midway Island
Midway Island was taken control of by the United States. Captain William Reynolds of the USS Lackawanna takes possession of the Island for the United States. Midway becomes the first offshore islands annexed by the U.S. government. -
Medicine Lodge Treaty
Indian Peace Commission signed three treaties at Medicine Lodge Creek near Medicine Lodge, Kansas. The United States promised the tribes peace and protection from white intruders in return for amity and relocation to reservations in western Indian Territory. -
Johnson's Impeachment
As President, you are suppose to be effective in bettering and successfully running the country. However, Congress did not believe Johnson was doing a good enough job and so they began thinking about impeaching him, -
Order of the Patrons of Husbandry
In a small Washington, D.C., building that housed the office of William Saunders, the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, more commonly known as the Grange, was founded. The Grange offer a wide range of locally-oriented programs and activities for children, youth and adults.
