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Abraham Lincoln gives his Copper Union Speech
This speech was given at Copper Union in New York City. Due to the fact that Abraham Lincoln was not the Republican nominee for presidency yet, this was considered one of the most crucial speeches leading up to his presidential nomination in May. In this speech, Lincoln elaborated on his views involving slavery and talked about western expansion. -
The Pony Express Begins
Mail is carried over the Oregon Trail by a series of riders through a span of eighteen months each way. This was a crucial form of communication between states. -
Navaho Native Americans attack Fort Defiance
After an incident during one of the horse races that the Navajo would hold competing against the U.S. soldiers, that Navajo grew angry with the U.S., accusing them of cheating. On April 30th, over 1000 native soldiers attacked Fort Defiance, nearly succeeding but not quite. -
The first white settlement was created in Idaho
After significant discoveries of gold in the river valleys of northern Idaho, many white settlers were temporarily or permanently attracted to the state. The Mormon community of Franklin in Cache Valley became the first permanently white settlement in Idaho. -
The first railroad reaches Kansas
With a population of over 100,000 interest in the new form of transportation, train had fascinated Kansas. Created through intense effort, the first railroad to reach Kansas was finally completed. -
Abraham Lincoln is elected President of the United States
Recieving forty percent of the popular vote, Abraham Lincoln is elected the sixteenth president of the United States; he is the first republican president. With intentions to end slavery, this election greatly angered the southern states, making them feel as if they had no voice. link text -
The first Secession Convention meets in Columbia, South Carolina
The Secession Convention met in the Baptist Church of Columbia. Ideas of sectionalism, secession and nationalism were discussed during this meeting. Members of the convention felt passionately about its allowance to meet. On this first day of meeting, the convention unanimously agreed to secede from the union. -
Crittenden Compromise introduced
A proposal by senator John J. Crittenden was made with aim to resolve the issue of secession by addressing issues of slavery. This compromise proposed six constitutional amendments and four congressional resolutions, guaranteeing the the permanent existence of slavery and addressing the southern issue of fugitive slaves. -
The South Begins Secession with South Carolina
Within three months of Lincoln's election, southern states begin discussing secession, feeling that this is the only way to have a voice in the nation that they live. South Carolina is the first to make the move. -
Crittenden Compromise tabled
The Crittenden Compromise, introduced by John J. Crittenden, was tabled. Although it was popular among southern members of senate, it was denoted generally unacceptable by Republicans, who opposed any existence or expansion of slavery whatsoever. -
Mississippi secedes from the Union
After the election of Abraham Lincoln and a collection of separate instances in which the southern states of the U.S. felt they had no voice, certain southern states made the decision to secede from the union, forming the Confederate States of America. After waiting approximately six months following the secession of South Carolina to await possible repercussions of this treason, other states in the south began seceding from the union. The second was Mississippi. -
The Confederate States of America is formed
In Montgomery, Alabama, those southern states that had seceded from the union begin to create a government. However, officials still need to be appointed. -
Jefferson Davis appointed first president of the CSA
Jefferson Davis is appointed the first president of the Confederate States of America at Montgomery, Alabama. Until an election is arranged for a new president, Davis will remain within this position. -
Abraham Lincoln Inaugurated as 16th President
In his inauguration speech, Abraham Lincoln extended a olive branch to the south. However, he also made it very clear that he intended to enforce federal laws. -
The Battle of Fort Sumter
In Fort Sumter, South Carolina, southern forces and Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard bombarded the union and U.S. Major Robert Anderson, who had occupied the unfinished fort. The Civil War had formally begun upon the happening of this battle. -
The Union Crosses the Potomac River
After crossing the Potomac river, the union settles in Arlington Heights. Also, occupying nearby Alexandria, a close friend of Lincoln's and commander of the 11th New York infantry is shot dead after removing a confederate flag from the Marshall House. -
The Battle of Big Bethel Occurs
This battle is the first land-battle in the American Civil War, taking place in Virginia. -
The Battle of Bull Run
This is known as the first official battle of the American Civil War. It is fought near Manassas, Virginia. This is a confederate win, where "Stonewall" Jackson famously earned his nickname. -
The Pony Express Ends
The Pony Express is widely thought as obsolete after the invention of the transcontinental telegraph. This new form of communication is far faster than riding my horse between states and therefore, is chosen over the Pony Express. -
Transcontinental Telegraph is put into effect
Workers of the Western Union Telegraph company have linked the eastern and western telegraph networks from Salt Lake City, Utah through Washington D.C. and San Francisco. A deal was put into place where a subsidy of $40,000 a year would be granted to a state who joined the network -
The Surrender of Fort Henry
Fort Henry, located in Tennessee, was lost to the northern forces. This allowed the union to obtain control of the river. -
The Battle of Roanoke
Taking place in North Carolina, the confederacy is defeated resulting the union occupation of eastern North Carolina. This is used as a northern base for further operations against the southern coast. -
The Surrender of Fort Donelson
Located in Tennessee, this crucial southern fort on the Cumberland River is lost to the northern forces. General Ulysses S. Grant receives his nickname here, "Unconditional Surrender," as he refused to accept a southern surrender until it was without conditions. -
Jefferson Davis is Inaugurated as the Confederate President
Jefferson Davis was a passionate supporter of slavery. However, he did not support secession until Lincoln's election in 1860. Davis moved to the southern White House in Richmond, Virginia. -
The Battle of Pea Ridge
Located in Arkansas, this a battle resulted in a union victory, loosening the "confederate hold" on Missouri. This also disrupted general southern control of the Mississippi river. -
The Battle of Shiloh
This is the first major battle in Tennessee. Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston, considered to be one of the south's most valued officers, is killed on the first day of the battle. The Union victory adds to Union General Ulysses S. Grant's good reputation and fame. -
The Battle of Seven Pines
Near Richmond, Virginia, the confederate capital, genera Joseph Johnson, commander of Virginia's confederate army, is wounded and replaced by Robert E. Lee -
The Seven Days' Battles Begin
Robert E. Lee attacks the Army of the Potomac, which is under McClellan's command, in a series of battles. The first battle took place in Mechanicsville, VA. The last battle took place on July 1 in Malvern Hill. -
The Second Battle of Bull Run
This battle is fought in Bull Run, Virginia, the same as the first. The Union army is defeated, once again, and sent to retreat to Washington D.C. This is yet another confidence boost for the south. -
The Battle of Antietam
This battle took place in Sharpsburg, Maryland. Having approximately 23,000 casualties, this battle was named the bloodiest single day battle of the Civil War. Ultimately, this was a union victory. -
The Battle of Fredericksburg
The Army of the Potomac, under General Ambrose Burnside, is defeated by the south under Robert E. Lee's command. The victory of this battle was due to the crossing of a river and sacking of Fredericksburg. -
The Emacipation Proclamation is Put Into Effect
While this proclamation abolished the majority of slavery, some argue that it did not do enough to abolish it completely. -
The Battle of Stones River
Fought in Tennessee, this battle was between the Cumberland river union army, under General William Rosecrans, and the Confederate Army of Tennessee, under General Brigg. This was union victory. -
Conscription Begins in the North
Conscription, defined as drafting, is taking place in the north. While some are itching to fight for the cause, others are solemn to see their friends and families risk their lives. -
The Battle of Chancellorsville
Located in Chancellorsville Virginia, the Battle of Chancellorsville is famous for the wounding of "Stonewall" Jackson by General Lee. This is considered Lee's greatest victory. -
The Siege of Vicksburg
Northern forces, lead by Ulysses S. Grant, attack the south outside if Vicksburg, Mississippi. The complete control of the Mississippi river would be given to the north if it won this battle. The result was the victory of the union. -
The Battle of Brandy Station
The union Calvary crosses the Rapidan river in an attempt to surprise attack Captain Stewart and his forces. Most crucially, the union discovers during its journeys that Lee's men are moving west to Shenandoah Valley. -
The Battle of Gettysburg
This is often known as the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. With another union victory, General Lee begins to lose hope of successfully invading the North. -
Vicksburg Surrenders to the Union
Vicksburg, Mississippi is surrendered to the north under Grant. This gives the Union complete control of the river. -
Skirmish near Charleston
Located just outside of Charleston, SC, northern naval and land forces attack southern naval and land defenses.Within the union forces is the 54th Massachusetts colored infantry, the first colored regiment to face combat in battle. -
The Andersonville Camp Officially Opens
Also referred to as the Camp Sumter Prison camp, this camp will become infamous for its poor, overcrowded conditions and unusually high amount of casualties. -
Ulysses S. Grant is Appointed Lieutenant General
This rank is granted by President Lincoln. Under this title, Grant receives command of all existing union armies. -
The Red River Campaign Begins
This campaign is part of a larger plan to hit various locations within the south. Under General Nathaniel Banks, both the navy and army are in this plan together. -
The First Battle of the Red River Campaign Commences
This battle is referred to as the Battle of Sabine Crossroads or the Battle of Mansfield, Louisiana. This was not a successful start to the north's big plan to capture every location along the Red River, as it was a confederate victory. -
Battle of the Wilderness
In Wilderness, Virginia, this is the beginning of the Wilderness Campaign. Grant, alongside the army of the Potomac under Meade, issued that the start of the campaign would be May 3rd. Lee's response was attacking the union in the dense forest. -
Battle of Cold Harbor, Virginia
This battle was notorious for being bloody and unrelenting. The union failed to force Lee's defensive troops out of northeast of Richmond. -
Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia
Sherman's army and Tennessee's army attack Johnston's careful defenses. Johnston remained until July 2nd, when he eventually fled. -
Battle of Monocacy
Taking place in Maryland, this was an attempt to draw Union troops from the current siege of Petersburg and Richmond. This was a union defeat and this battle was known as "the battle that saved Washington." -
The Battle of Crater
In Petersburg, Virginia, a vast mine was exploded underneath a confederate fort. Angered by this, the confederate troops counterattacks and forces the union out of the Petersburg siege lines. -
The Battle of Cedar Creek
Jubal Early's confederate soldiers drive the army of Shenandoah from from their camps by Cedar Creek, Virginia. The battle for control of Shenandoah valley is officially over. -
Sherman's Army Captures Columbia
While confederate defenses are fleeing Charleston South Carolina, occupied with that fiasco, Sherman's army surprise attacks and captures Columbia, South Carolina. -
President Lincoln is Inaugurated for the Second Time
In Washington D.C., President Lincoln begins his second term as president after being reelected despite the ongoing war. -
Attack on Fort Stedman
Located in Petersburg, Virginia, Confederate troops under General Gordon attack and temporarily capture Fort Stedman. This was an attempt to dislodge union plans for an assault later in March. In the end, the positions remained unchanged as the south are thrown out. -
The Battle of Five Forks
After the confederates are defeated during this battle in Virginia, General Lee is persuaded to abandon the Petersburg-Richmond siege lines. -
The Fall of Petersburg and Richmond
General Lee leaves both Richmond and Petersburg deserted and marches his army west. This was due to the hope of joining other Confederate forces under General Johnston in North Carolina. -
The Battle of Appomattox Court House
General Lee seeks General Grant to discuss terms in a parlor. In this parlor, the Appomattox House, Lee signs the document of surrender. -
President Abraham Lincoln is Assassinated
As he was watching a performance in Ford's Theatre, Washington D.C., Lincoln was shot in the head by actor John Wilkes Booth. Lincoln dies. -
Jefferson Davis is Captured
Jefferson Davis, former president of the Confederacy, is captured by union forces near Irwinville, Georgia. -
The Final Battle of the Civil War Commences
Taking place in Palmito Ranch, Texas, this battle is the last of the Civil War. It is a confederate victory. -
The Civil War Officially Ends
Confederate General Simon Bolivar Buckner agrees to the terms of surrender for the army of Trans-Mississippi. On June 2, 1865, the Civil War officially ends with the final surrender of the Confederacy. -
Freedman's Bureau Bill is Vetoed
The Freedman's Bureau Bill was passed by Congress, initiating the authorization of military trial for those accused of "depriving Negroes of the Civil Rights. However, President Andrew Johnson vetoes the Bill. This shows the continuing struggle for justice for slaves, even after the Civil War. -
Texas repeals the Actions of the Secessionist Convention
The Secessionist Convention was formed prior to the Civil War, to discuss the notion of seceding from the Union. After the Civil War, this convention is now disbanded. -
The United States declares Peace
The United States declares that a state of peace now exists including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. This is a direct result of the Civil War. -
Congress Buys Ford's Theatre
Ford's Theatre, the theatre in which President Lincoln was assassinated, is bought for $100,000. This theatre is to house the Army Medical Museum, the Office of the Surgeon General and War Department records until 1893. -
Congress Passes the Civil Rights Act
The Civil Rights Act outlaws discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. After Congress's pass of approval the first time around, President Andrew Johnson vetoed the bill. However, Congress overrides his veto. -
The Freedman's Bureau Bill is Passed
This bill provides legal authorization for the Freedman's Bureau, an organization set up by former President Lincoln. Despite President Johnson's veto of this bill, Congress votes to override his veto. -
Congress names the "General of the Armies"
Ulysses S. Grant is promoted to a 4-star general and appoint as "general of the armies." William Tecumseh Sherman assumes the position of Lieutenant General. -
Congress Creates the Rank of Admiral
The rank of Admiral, defined as a commander of a fleet or naval squadron, or a naval officer of very high rank, is created by Congress. This rank is granted to former general in the Civil War, David Farragut. -
The U.S. Service Begins Investigating the Ku Klux Klan
The Klu Klux Klan, a white supremacist racist organization, is notorious for its hate crimes against African Americans. Congress is taking this crime into its own hands, and trying to put an end to it. -
Peace is Achieved Between the U.S. and Texas
Congress and President Andrew Johnson issue a proclamation of peace with Texas. Texas accepts. -
African Americans in Washington D.C. Can Vote
Despite President Andrew Johnson's veto of this bill that was passed through congress, a bill is passed granting African Americans the right to vote in Washington D.C.. -
Nebraska Becomes a State
Congress officially admits Nebraska as a state in the United States. Prior to this, Nebraska was well known for its growth during the California Gold Rush in 1848. -
Congress Passes the Tenure of Office Act
The Tenure of Office Act denies the right of the President to remove any official who had been appointed with the through Congress. This passing of this act was inspired by Andrew Johnson's erratic behavior. -
Alexandria Rejects the Votes of African Americans
Alexandria, located in Virginia, refuses to acknowledge and account for thousand of votes cast by African Americans, who has been previously granted the right to suffrage under the Reconstruction Act. -
General Sheridan Assumes Command of the 5th Military District
General Philip Sheridan takes command of the 5th Military district surrounding both Louisiana and Texas. He appoints New Orleans as his new headquarters. -
Congress Passes the 2nd Reconstruction act
The second Reconstruction Act is supplementary to the first, filling any holes it may have left. President Andrew Johnson vetoed this bill, however, Congress overrides it. -
Seward's Folly
Congress signs a treaty with Russia. Called "Seward's Folly" by democrats, this treaty grants the U.S. Alaska for 2 cents an acre. -
A Group of States are Admitted into the Union
Congress passes a bill admitting Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina into the Union. Virginia, Mississippi, and Texas, after refusing to ratify the fourteenth amendment, granting citizenship to those born in the United States, were refused admission into the Union. -
President Johnson Demands to Resignation of Edwin Stanton
After the passing of the Tenure of Office Act, President Andrew Johnson is not longer able to fire officials at his own will.Therefore, President Andrew Johnson is demanding Congress to fire Edwin Stanton, the secretary of war. -
Russia Gives the United States Alaska
After both sides agreed to a treaty granting U.S. Alaska for 2 cents an acre, Russia formally hands over Alaska to the United States.
