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The South Secedes.
When Abraham Lincoln, a known opponent of slavery, was elected president. The south Carolina legislature wanted a threat. -
Lincoln's Inauguration.
At Lincoln's inauguration on March 4, the new president said he had no plans to end slavery in those states where it already existed. -
Attack on Fort Sumter.
When President Lincoln planned to send supplies to Fort Sumter, he alerted the state in advance, in an attempt to avoid hostilities. -
West Virginia Is Born.
Residents of the western counties of Virginia did not wish to secede along with the rest of the state. -
AbrahamLincoln Takes Action.
On January 27, President Lincoln issued a war. -
The Peninsular Campaign.
In April, General McClellan's troops left northern Virginia to begin the Peninsular Campaign. -
The Battle of Seven Pines.
On May 31, the Confederate army attacked federal forces at Seven Pines.