Civil War - Major Battles

Battle of Fort Sumter

Apr 12, 1861

First battle of the Civil War. South attacked because Lincoln sent supplies for the fort and they were paranoid

First Battle of Bull Run/Manassas

Jul 21, 1861

First major battle of the American Civil War and was a Confederate victory. Fought 25 miles from DC and people were picnicking.

Merrimack vs. Monitor

Mar 8, 1862

The Merrimack destroyed several Union ships because it has been plated iron railroad rails. The Monitor arrived the next day and they fought for several hours but it ended in a draw

Second Battle of Bull Run/Manassas

Aug 29, 1862

Dispelled any hope of a short battle. Union pushed the Confederates back.

Battle of Antietam

Sep 17, 1862

Bloodiest battle in the war with 24,000 to 26,000 deaths. Union soldiers found General Lee’s battle plans and showed that Lee and Jackson’s armies were separated. McClellan didn’t act upon this opportunity and got fired. Potential ending point in war.

Battle of Vicksburg

May 18, 1863

Union laid siege for 6 weeks. Union was on the way to controlling Mississippi River and splitting the South in half

Battle of Gettysburg

Jul 1, 1863

The North took the high ground and won the battle because of their strategic play. One of the bloodiest battles in the war. Union victory after the Union killed many Confederate soldiers.

Battle of Richmond

Apr 3, 1865

Union army was on their way to take Richmond, but the Southerners burnt the city to the ground.

Battle of Appomattox

Apr 9, 1865

Union corners Lee at Appomattox courthouse in Virginia. Lee surrenders with ease and Grant offers generous terms. Ended the Civil War.