-
Period: to
Civil War Length
This is how long the Civil War lasted. Includes Pre and Post Civil War events. -
Jefferson Davis Comes Out in Favor of Secession
After keeping quiet for some time, Jefferson Davis comes out for the first time, saying that he is in favor of secession. -
The Democratic National Convention Meets in Charleston, South Carolina
The Democratic National Convention met from April 23, 1860 to May 3, 1860. They cannot agree on a nominee for the upcoming election. Thay decide to continue the debate in Baltimore. -
The Constitution Union Party Selects John Bell for President
The Constitution Union Party meets in Baltimore and elects John Bell as their candidate for president. They also elect Edward Everett for Vice-President. The Constitution Union Party represents Southern Whigs and Know-Nothings. -
The Republican Convention Nominates Abraham Lincoln for President
The Republican Convention is held from May 16, 1860 to May 18, 1860. Lincoln is elected as candidate for President and Hannibal Hamlin is chosen for Vice-President. -
Southern Democrats Hold a Convention in Richmond.
The Southern Democrats hold a convention in Richmond from June 26, 1860 to June 28, 1860. They select John C. Breckinridge as a nominee for President. -
William Henry Gist Reports That South Carolina May Secede From the Union
Governor William Henry Gist tells other states that South Carolina is considering secession as an option. -
Abraham Lincoln Wins Presidential Election
After the votes were tallied, Abraham Lincoln won the election, beating Stephen Douglas, John Breckinridge, and John Bell. -
James Chesnut Resigns From the Senate
After much thought, James Chesnut decided to resign from the Senate, being the first Southerner to do so. -
South Carolina Secedes From the Union
After the election of Lincoln, the South had had enough of the North. They decided to form their own nation. South Carolina was the dirst to secede from the Union. -
Major Robert Anderson Moves to Fort Sumter
Not being able to hold off Confederate forces at Fort Moultrie, Anderson decides to move his command to Fort Sumter. -
Convention of Seceded States Adopts Constitution
The Convention of Seceded States adopted a provisional constitution and officially became known as the Confederate States of America. -
Jefferson Davis is Chosen as President of Confederacy
After considering numerous other candidates, the Convention chooses Jefferson Davis as the president of the Confederate States of America. -
Lincoln is Inaugurated as President
After being elected in November of 1860, Lincoln is put into office and receives information about the situation at Fort Sumter. -
Fort Sumter is Attacked by Confederate Forces
Starting at 4:30 A.M. on April 12th and continuing until the morning of April 13th, Confederate forces bombard Fort Sumter. Anderson and his men eventually surrender and the fort is taken by the Confederates. This is the battle that began the Civil War. -
First Land Engagement Between Union and Confederate Forces
Known as the Battle of Philippi, this marks the first time that Confederate and Union forces fight. Often treated as a skirmish rather than an actual battle. -
Battle of Bull Run Occurs
The first major battle of the Civil War, General Thomas Jackson is pitted against General Irvin McDowell. This is where Jackson earns the nickname "Stonewall". In the end, the Confederates wind up winning the battle, with the Union troops disorganized and defeated. -
General George McClellan Joins the Fray
General George McClellan is placed in charge of the Army of the Potomac. -
John C. Fremont Declares Martial Law
John C. Fremont declares martial law in the state of Missouri and frees the slaves of Missouri Confederates. -
Winfield Scott Relieved From Duty
Winfield Scott is relieved from duty as Supreme Commander of the United States. -
Abraham Lincoln Signs a Bill Creating the Medal of Honor.
The Navy Medal of Honor is created. It is to be presented to sailors or marines who "...distinguish themselves by their gallantry and other seamanlike qualities. -
Battle of Fort Donelson
This battle takes place from February 13 to February 16 of 1862. General Ulysses S. Grant demanded the unconditional surrender of the fort from Simon Bolivar Buckner. This is where Grants earns his nickname, "Unconditional Surrender". -
Battle of Shiloh
At this church in southwest Tennessee, Ulysses S. Grant defeats Albert Sidney Johnston. After Johnston's death, P.G.T. Beauregaurd took command of a southern regimen. -
Farragut Takes Control of New Orleans
After a duel with Confederate ships, David Farragut's fleet arrives at New Orleans. Farragut demands the surrender of the largest city and most important port in the South. The city was partially on fire when he arrived. -
Robert E. Lee Takes Command
Jefferson Davis replaces wounded Army of Northern Virginia Commander Joseph E. Johnston with Robert E. Lee. -
Second Battle of Bull Run Takes Place
This battle takes place from August 29 to August 30. James Longstreet's 28,000 man assault on August 30 was the largest simultaneous assault of the war. The Confederates won this battle. -
Battle of Harper's Ferry
Takes place from September 12 to September 15. Stonewall Jackson takes 12,000 prisoners as a result of the battle. -
Battle of Antietam
The Army of the Potomac under McClellan defeats the Army of Northern Virginia under Lee. Known as the bloodiest single day battle of the Civil War. -
Lincoln Issues the Emancipation Proclomation
After the Battle of Antietam, Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclomation, which would free slaves in states or portions of states. -
Burnside Replaces McClellan
Ambrose E. Burnside assumes command of the Army of the Potomac, relieving George B. McClellan. -
Battle of Fredericksburg
General Ambrose Burnside is defeated by Lee at this location. -
Emancipation Proclamation Is Put Into Effect
After being issued in September of 1862, the Emancipation Proclamation is put into effect. -
General Joseph Hooker is put in Charge
Abraham Lincoln relieves General Ambrose Burnside from command of the Army of the Potomac. He is replaced with General Joseph "Fighting Joe" Hooker. -
Battle of Chancellorsville
This battle takes place from May 1 to May 4. The Army of the Potomac, led by Joseph Hooker, is defeated by the Army of North Virginia. -
Stonewall Jackson Dies
Jackson was accidently shot by his own men during the Battle of Chancellorsville. As a result of this, his left arm had to amputated. On May 10, Jackson passed away. -
West Virginia Becomes the 35th State to Enter the United States
West Virginia is taken in as the 35th state. It is also the first one where the terms slave and free no longer mattered. -
Battle of Gettysburg
General Robert E. Lee advances into Pennsylvania where he meets George Meade. First battling north of the city, by the second day Union forces had retreated south, forming a strong line as men arrived almost continuously. On the third day, the infamous Pickett's Charge marked the end of the Confederates hope for a victory. Known as the turning point of the Civil War. Took place from July 1 to July 3. -
Unconditional Surrender Strikes Again
John Pemberton, commander of Confederate forces at Vicksburg asks Ulysses S. Grant for terms. Grant demands an unconditional surrender. Pemberton refuses. Late in the evening, Grant offers excellent terms and Pemberton accepts. -
Battle of Chickamauga
Takes place from September 19 to September 20. General Braxton Bragg tries to split General William Rosecrans forces as they try to return to the safety of Chattanooga. A second day breakthrough at the Brotherton Cabin forces the federals into a retreat, halted only by the Rock of Chickamauga, General George Thomas on Snodgrass Hill. -
The Gettysburg Address
Abraham Lincoln delivers a two-minute speech at the National Cemetary in Gettysburg. It came to be known as one of the greatest speeches ever written. -
Federals Attack Fort Sumter
Federals began heavy bombardment of Fort Sumter. It will continue, off and on, through December 4. -
Union Officers Escape
109 Union officers led by Colonel Thomas Rose escape from Libby Prison on the banks of the James River in Richmond. 59 reach Union territory. -
Ulysses S. Grant Promoted
Ulysses S. Grant is promoted to Lieutenant General and given command of all active United States forces. -
Battle of Fort Pillow
Nathan Bedford Forrest defeats Union forces. His men then proceded to massacre the inhabitants of the fort. Most of them were African American. -
"In God We Trust"
The motto "In God We Trust" is approved for use on U.S. coinage. -
Battle of the Wilderness
Ulysses S. Grant is badly beaten on the field by Robert E. Lee. Instead of retreating, Grant advances to Spotsylvania Court House. -
Battle of Spotsylvania Court House
Takes place from May 8 to May 19. Both Grant and Lee fight for 11 days south of Fredericksburg. -
Battle of Cold Harbor
Lasts from May 31 to June 12. Robert E. Lee defeats both Ulysses S. Grant and George Meade. -
The Fall of Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan, last of the Confederate forts on Mobile Bay, falls into federal hands following a spectacular barrage -
Maryland Abolishes Slavery
Maryland, a border state, abolishes slavery in their new constitution -
Abraham Lincoln is Reelcted
Republican Abraham Lincoln defeats Democrat George McClellan to serve a second term as President of the United States. Andrew Johnson, a unionist from Tennessee is his Vice President -
Peace Terms Are Discussed
On the River Queen, President Abraham Lincoln, Secretary of State William Seward, Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens, John Campbell and RMT Hunter discuss peace terms at the Hampton Roads Conference near Fort Monroe. It was a complete failure. -
Lincoln Outlines His Second Term
Lincoln outlines his second term talking directly to the Confederate people "...with malice toward none; with charity for all..." Vice President Andrew Johnson then gave a rambling, drunk speech. Apparently, he had been given too much whiskey as medicine by a doctor. -
Battle of Ford Stedman
Confederates break the Union line at Petersburg. General John B. Gordon captured Fort Stedman, a Union outpost on the line around besieged Petersburg, eventually punching a hole 3/4 of mile wide. Confederate units then made a desperate attempt to hit the federal supply base at City Point. With overwhelming force the federal troops turned back the advance, recaptured the fort and retook the lines -
Battle of Five Forks
George Pickett is not able to withstand the federal forces from Petersburg. -
General Lee Surrenders
After five years of fighting, General Robert E. Lee finally surrenders to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House. -
President Abraham Lincoln is Assassinated
Just days after the ending of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln is shot by actor John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre, although he does not die right away. Lincoln dies the next day. -
Andrew Johnson Grants Presidential Pardon
Andrew Johnson, now president after Lincoln's death, grants a Presidential pardon to those who directly or indirectly aided the Southern war effort. He restored property rights to the South with the exception of slaves. Unlike Lincoln's declaration in December, 1863, Johnson creates an exception for property owners whose holdings total $20,000 dollars or more. -
Alexander Stephens is Released
Alexander Stephens is released from military prison in Boston, Massachusetts -
Secession Ordinance Void
North Carolina declares the secession ordinance of 1861 null and void. -
The 13th Amendment is Proclaimed
The 13th Amendment, which abolishes slavery except as a form of punishment, is proclaimed . -
Lincoln's Birthday is Observed
The first formal observation of President Lincoln's birthday is held in Washington, D. C. President Andrew Johnson attends. -
Freedman's Bureau is Passed by Congress
New Freedman's Bureau bill passed by Congress. President Andrew Johnson vetoes the bill that authorized military trial for those accused of "depriving Negroes of the Civil Rights" on the same day. -
The Civil Rights Act of 1866 is Vetoed
President Johnson vetos the Civil Rights Act of 1866 on the grounds that it was unconstitutional. -
A State of Peace
The United States declares that a state of peace exists with Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. -
Congress Buys Ford's Theater
Congress appropriates $100,000 to buy Ford's Theater. It will house the Army Medical Museum, the Office of the Surgeon General and War Department records until 1893. -
The 14th Amendment is Approved
Thirty-ninth Congress approves the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. -
Congress Overrides Veto
Congress overrides Andrew Johnson's veto of the Freedman's Bureau bill. -
The Rank of Admiral is Created
Congress creates the rank of Admiral. David Farragut is appointed to that rank. -
An Investigation Commences
The U. S. Secret Service begins an investigation into the Ku Klux Klan. -
Fire in the Philadelphia Ship Yard
A fire in the Philadelphia ship-yard accidently destroys a number of ships used during the Civil War. -
African Americans Gain the Right to Vote
African Americans in Washington D. C. gain the right to vote in a bill passed over President Andrew Johnson's veto. -
Nebraska Joins the United States
Nebraska becomes a state. -
The Tenure of Office Act is Passed
Congress passes the Tenure of Office Act, denying the right of the President to remove officials who had been appointed with the consent of Congress. -
Congress Passes the Second Reconstruction Act
Congress passes the Second Reconstruction Act over Andrew Johnson's veto. -
William Seward Buys Alaska
William P. Seward signs a treaty with Russia buying Alaska for 2 cents an acre. Democrats called it "Seward's Folly". -
Admitting the States
Congress passes a bill admitting Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina into the Union. Virginia, Mississippi, and Texas, having refused to ratify the fourteenth amendment, were refused admission into the Union. -
House Select Committee is Appointed
House Select Committee on Reconstruction is appointed. -
Andrew Johnson vs. Edwin Stanton
President Andrew Johnson demands the resignation of Edwin Stanton, Secretary of War. -
Grant Becomes the Secretary of War
Ulysses S. Grant becomes ad interim Secretary of War. -
Alaska is Aquired
Russia turns over Alaska to the United States.
