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The South Secedes
The secession of South Carolina was followed by the secession of six more states -- Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas -- and the threat of secession by four more -- Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. These eleven states eventually formed the Confederate States of America. -
Lincoln's Inauguration
Lincoln said he had no plans to end slavery in those states where it already existed, but he also said he would not accept secession. -
Attack on Fort Sumter
Civil War began with shots fired on the fort. Fort Sumter eventually was surrendered to South Carolina. -
Battle of Monitor Vs Merrimac
In the first naval engagement between ironclad ships, the Monitor fought the Virginia to a draw, but not before the Virginia had sunk two wooden Union warships off Norfolk, Virginia. -
Emancipation Proclamation
Declaring that all slaves in areas still in rebellion were, in the eyes of the federal government, free. -
Sherman at Sea
Sherman stormed Fort McAllister on and captured Savannah itself eight days later. -
Lincoln Assassinated
President Lincoln was watching a performance of "Our American Cousin" at Ford's Theater in Washington, D.C., he was shot by John Wilkes Booth. -
Surrender of Appottomax
General Lee and General Grant met at Appomattox Courthouse, and agreed on the terms of surrender.