Civil War Battles

Fort Sumter

Apr 12, 1861

Fort Sumter was the opening battle of the Civil War. The Confederates made the decision to bombard Fort Sumter in South Carolina. The Fort was forced to surrender and the Confederates occupied Fort Sumter for all 4 years of the Civil War.

First Battle of Bull Run

Jul 21, 1861

The First Battle of Bull Run revealed one of the strongest leaders of the Civil War. The Union took offensive with 30,000 troops, however rumors of a short war were quickly thwarted by General “Stonewall” Jackson, who successfully defended his confederate troops.

Antietam

Sep 17, 1862

The Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest single day battle in the Civil War. Union troops found a copy of General Lee’s battle plans. They revealed that Lee and Jackson’s armies were separated. The Union was given the upper hand and was able to defeat General Lee.

Siege of Vicksburg

May 18, 1863

Vicksburg was the main supplement for the Confederates. Union General Ulysses Grant wisely made the decision to take Vicksburg. Without it’s main supplement, the Confederates would be reduced to small pile of rubble.

Gettysburg

Jul 1, 1863

The Bloodiest Battle of the Civil War, lasting a total of three days. The Union took up a defensive position and General Lee decided attack both flanks. After this failed, he launched a cannon barrage at the Union solders. Fortunately, the Union soldiers had dug trenches to protect themselves. Lee was unaware that the cannon barrage failed and sent General Pickett in to finish the Union off. There were 10,000 casualties in Pickett’s 15,000 men. Finally, Lee retreated on the third day.