Civil War Annotated Timeline

Fort Sumter

Apr 12, 1861

Ended April 13, 1861. Started the Civil War; similar to the "shot heard around the world." In South Carolina, Lee's army defeated Lincoln's.

Battle of Bull Run (1st)

Jun 21, 1861

In Manassas, Virginia the Confederate General Beauregard defeated Union General McDowell at the first battle of Bull Run. Confederates victory. This battle led to army reorganization.

Battle of Hamton Roads

Mar 8, 1862

Ended March 9, 1862. By Hamton Roads, Virginia, Union General Marston had a militarry draw with Confederate General Buchanan. A new battle ship was built as a result of the battle.

Battle of Shiloh

Apr 6, 1862

Ended April 7, 1862. Tennessee Union General Grant defeated Confederate General Johnston. Johnston was killed and the Union took control of the Tennessee river.

Battle of Bull Run (2nd)

Apr 29, 1862

Ended April 30, 1862. In Manassas, Virginia Confederate General Jackson defeated Union General Pope. This battle helped the Confederates regain control of most of Tennessee.

Siege of Atlanta

Jul 16, 1862

Ended September 2, 1864. In Atlanta, Georgia, Union General Sherman defeated Confederate General Mood. Union captured the "heart of the south." Launched the "march to the sea."

Battle of Antietam

Sep 17, 1862

In Maryland, Union General McClellan and Confederate General Lee had a military draw. Seen as a political victory for the north, however. This battle led to the Emancipation Proclamation.

Fredericksburg

Dec 13, 1862

In Virginia, Confederate General Lee defeated Union General Burnside. Stops the final Union advance of 1862.

Emancipation Proclamation

Jan 1, 1863

Document ment to free all southern slaves. Lincoln did this because it could be seen as a military and was therefore in his power to enforce. Didn't actually free any slaves, but led them to rebel and run away.

Battle of Chancellorsville

May 2, 1863

Ended May 4, 1863. In Virginia, Confederate General Lee defeated Union General Hooker. Lee had just soundly beat an army that outnumbered him 2 to 1, but Jackson was killed.

Siege of Vicksburg

May 18, 1863

Ended July 4, 1863. In Mississippi, Union General Grant defeated Confederate General Pemberla. Goal in the west to take the Mississippi river completed.

Gettysburg

Jul 1, 1863

Ended July 3, 1863. In Pennsylvania, Union General Meade defeated Confederate General Lee. Bloodest battle of the war with over 43,000 casualities. South would never again invade the north after this battle.

Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse

Apr 9, 1865

In Virginia, Confederate General Lee surrendered to Grant. Ended the Civil War.

Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

Apr 14, 1865

Died April 15, 1865. North lost their prized leader. Nearly broke into war again. Tensions now at a new high.

Ratification of the 13th Amendment.

Dec 6, 1865

Gave slaves their freedom. Lincoln did not get to see it as he was assassinated.