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The Civil War
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The Pony Express
The Pony Express began going from Saint Louis, Missouri to Sacremento, California. It had 119 stations that were each 12 miles apart which made it possible for more letters to be delivered in a more timely manner. -
Abraham Lincoln Elected President of the United States
Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States in 1860 by winning 39% of the popular vote as well as 180 Electoral Votes. -
South Carolina seceeds from the Union
Following the elction of President Abraham Lincoln, an abolitionists, in November of 1860, South Carolina seceeded from the Union as they were in fear of losing their economy and right to own slaves. -
Mississipi seceedes
Mississippi seceeded from the Union as the second state to leave the Union following South Carolina. -
Florida seceedes
Florida seceeded from the Union as the 3rd state to leave following South Carolina and Mississippi to join the Confederacy. -
Alabama secedes
Alabama left the Union as the 4th state to secede and join the Confederate States of America. -
Kansas joins the Union
Kansas is admitted to the Union as the 34th U.S. state and was supposed to be a slave state. Much controversy led it to eventualy become free. -
Confederate States of America are formed
After the secession of South Carolina from the Union, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisianna, and Texas, formed the Confederate States of America. -
Lincoln's Inaguration
President Lincoln is inagurated as the 16th President of the United States of America. -
The attack on Fort Sumter
Major Anderson of the Union was forced to surrender Fort Sumter to Confederate soldiers in Charlestown Bay. This surrender triggered the War as Jefferson Davis ordered the attack on the fort, even when Abraham Lincoln denied his men weapons and supplies to defend the fort. -
Lincoln's call for volunteers
President Lincoln calls for 75,000 volunteered men to fight for the Union -
Turning Point of Secession
Unwilling, to fight against Southern States, Virginia left the Union, as well as Arkansas, North Carolina, and Tennessee. 11 States were left in the Union. Following Virginia's seccession, the capital of the Confederacy was established in Richmond. -
Lincoln suspension of Habeas Corpus
Lincoln suspended the right of habeas corpus. This meant that people could now be imprisoned without being seen by a judge and told what their crimes were. HJowever, this is against the Constitution but during a time of war it seemed to be necessary. -
The Anaconda Plan
Winfield Scott created a 3 part plan for the Union to assist the fall of the Confederates. This plan stated that the Union Navy would blockade the confederate ports, the Union would move down the Mississippi River to split the South, and they would eventually capture the South's Capital of Richmond, VA. -
1st Battle of Bull Run
The first battle of the war took place at a small creek in Marasses, Virginia. 30,000 inexpeirenced Union troops were advancing on Richmond and Thomas Jackson intercepted them and defended them off resulting in a Union retreat. Jackson earned his nickname of "Stonewall" here. -
Lincoln' response of conscription to Bull Run
Shortly after the battle of Bull Run, Lincoln saw that he needed men and created a draft the enlisted 500,000 men for 3 years. Three days later, he recruited the same number, again. -
Grant captures the Tennesse River
Union forces under General Ulysses S. Grant captured Paducah, Kentucky without any conflict. This gave the union control of the Tennesse River, a big factor of the War. -
Davis' Election
President Jefferson Davis is elected to a six-year term as the President of the Confederate States of America. -
Fort Henry and Donelson's capture
In February of 1862, General Grant invaded western Tenessee, and with the help of 4 ironclas gun boats, Grant forced the capture of two forts. Here is where Grant earned his nickname of the "unconditional surrenderer". -
Davis' Inaguration
Jefferson Davis is officially inaugurated as the Confederate president in Richmond, Virginia. -
Greenbacks!
This was a form of paper money introduced by Lincoln. It was the unified money for the United States and was used by the Union army. This money was distributed longer then any other money. -
McClellan is relieved of duty
Lincoln fired General McClellan for having the "slows". McClellan hesitated to much on the battelfield and Lincoln had enough. -
The Battle of Shiloh
Grant was gathering his men at this church in Tenessee when the Confederates launched a suprise attack on them. In the early morning of the first day the suprise hit them hard, but by the following day the Union counterattacked and pushed off the rebels to retreat. -
Confederate's Conscription
Jefferson Davis and the Confederate Congress approve the conscription act. This called for any white male ages 18 to 35 to fight for the confederate army. -
New Orleans falls
General David Farragut led a naval force into the harbour of New Orleans and eventually siezed it from the Confederacy. This opened up the Mississippi River for the Union. -
The Battle of Oak Grove
This battle was the first battle of the Seven Days Battles between McClellan and Lee when the Union began advancing on Richmond. McClellan had the hopes to take this battleground and be able to place his artillery with Richmond in its sights, but were pushed back by Lee and his army. -
The Battle of Beaver Dam Creek
This battle was the second of the Seven Days Battles and it was General Lee's first counter attack to the advancing Union forces lead by General McClellan who were advancing on the South's capital of Richmond, VA. -
The Battle of Gaine's Mills
This battle was the third of the Seven Days battle lead by Lee on the isolated right flank of the Union Army. This attack was planned to be one of the biggest Confederate attacks of the war. Eventually, nightfall saved the Union forces as they retreated across the Chickohimaney River which also saved Richmond for the South. -
The Battle of Garnett's and Golding's Farm
This two day battle was the fourth of the Seven Days Battles. It was a plan by the South that turned into a minor attack on the Union Army south of the Chickohimony River. The Union repulsed the South but fear spread through the high command of the North that an all out attack would be made from the South on them. -
The Battle of Savage's Station
This was the fifth battle of the Seven Days Battles. This battle began the withdrawal of Union forces to the safety of the James River as the South was beginnning to surround them. General McClellan here realized he needed to retreat. -
Battle of Glendale
The Battle of Glendale was the sixth battle of the Seven Days Battles and it was one of Lee's last attempts to intercept the Union, but due to his poorly executed orders, he allowed the Union to escape to a very well defended Malvern's Hill. -
Battle of Malvern Hill
This was the last battle of the Seven Days Battles. It ended with Robert E. Lee ordering a futile frontal attack on the Unions position and sufferered heavy casualties. Over the course of the Seven days, the Union on the defensive lost 16,000 casualties as the Confederates who were on the offensive lost 20,000!! -
African Americans can fight!
The Union army is officially allowed to hire African Americans as soldiers. This is a step toward equality which is what the War is some what over. The slaves are now allowed to help in the army that is being fought to free them. -
The Battle of Antietam
At this battle, which was the bloodiest single day battle of the war, about 26,000 soldiers died from both sides. The battle was a standoff but resulted in a Union victory. This victory may have been greater but General McClellan did not pursue the retreating Confederates and earned himself to be demoted by Lincoln for having the "slows". -
Grant discrimnates the Jews
Grant issued an order to bar Jewish people from serving under his command. This is ironic because of the fact that he is fighting to free a group of people because of the harsh treatment they are receiving. -
Lincoln's hanging of Indians
Lincoln orders 39 Sioux Indian men to be hanged. This is ironic because he is trying to gain one group of people equality as he is murdering another group. -
The National Banking Act
Lincoln signed the National Banking Act, making it a law. It put someone in charge of controlling currency and it led to the creation of local banks! -
The National Conscription Act
The National Conscription Act is signed forcing able bodied males aged 18-35 into joining the Union Army. The signing of this act led to the week long New York Draft Riots. -
Battle of Chancellorsville
April 30th-May 6th, 1863
This battle was one of the biggest of the Civil War. It was a Union attempt on the Confederates Capital of Richmond, but they were stopped by the South and forced to retreat on the final day of the campaign. Within the 6 days was the second bloodiest days of the Civil War. -
Stonewall Jackson falls
Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson died during the battle of chancelorsville by friendly fire. His arm was amputated, but then it became infected and he died. -
the bombardment of Vicksburg
May 18th- July 3rd, 1863
This town in Mississippi was the key for Grant to secure the Mississippi River and to split the Confederacy. Previously, he tried numerous times to take the city by cutting off the railroad lines and assaulting the city. Eventually, he decided to shell the city for days until the Confederates surrendered on July 3, 1863. -
Western Counties of Virginia seceeded
In 1863, Western Countries of Virginia seceeded from the Confederacy to join the Union as West Virginia -
The Battle of Gettysburg
This 3 day battle is said to be the turning point of the war. However, both sides met by chance. The biggest objective for both sides during this war was to secure the high ground, however, the Union prevailed in the end. This battle was the last attempt of an assault the South made on Union ground. -
Draft Riots of NYC
July 13th-16th, 1863
People begin protesting the drafts with riots that eventually had to be stopped by federal soldiers who came through the city sent by Lincoln. -
Lee attempts to resign
Following his shameful defeat at Gettysburg, General Lee sends a letter of resignation to Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Davis refused this request. -
The Battle of Chickamauga
This battle was one of the most significant Union defeats in the Western Theatre and had the second most casualties next to Gettysburg throughout the entire War. -
Thanksgiving
Lincoln declares Thanksgiving a national holiday to be celebrated the last Thursday in November, This holiday is to celebrate the colonists and Native Americans coming together and sharing their resources. This is ironic because during Lincoln's time the Natives were still being treated with disrespect and he had ordered some to be hanged in previous years. -
Lincolns Speech to the Nation
Following the Battle of Gettysburg, President Lincoln made an attempt to unify the country with the Gettysburg Address. His speech honored all those who died during this battle, and throughout the entirety of the war. He only spoke for about 2 minutes, but boosted the morale of the North. -
Andersonville
The first 500 prisoners of war arrive at the Confederate prison camp, Andersonville. This was the harshest prison camp of the Civil War. Many of the men held there did not survive because of the brutal conditions faced there. -
Grant placed as General-in-Chief
Lincoln promoted Grant to Leuitenant General which ultimately placed him as head of the Union army. -
The Coinage Act
Congress passes the Coinage Act of 1864. This act states the the inscription "In God we Trust" must be on all coins that are to be used as US currency. -
Battle of Spotsylvania Court House
On and off from May 8th- May 21st, 1864
Union General Grants plan during this battle was not to get between Lee and Richmond, but to destroy Lee's army and he knew he could do this as the North had much better resources than the South did. -
The Arlington National Cemetary
The Arlington National Cemetary is established by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. It is created using 200 acres land from Robert E Lee's home in Arlington, Virgina. -
Abraham Lincoln's Reelection
Lincoln is re-elected in 1864. His victory is overwhelming because of how many votes he received over George B. McClellan. -
William Sherman's march to the Sea
November 15th- December 21st, 1864
William Sherman marched from Atlanta, Georgia to the Atlantic Ocean destroying everything of the Confederates in his path. -
The Attempt to burning New York
A group of Confederate operatives that call themselves the Confederate Army of Manhattan set fires in more then 20 places. This is their unsuccessful attempt at burning New York down. -
The Fall of Richmond
Confederate Presiden Davis and his cabinet flee the confederate capital, Richmond, Virginia as Union forces near it. The very next day it is captured by the Union. -
the Surrender at Appottamax
General Lee surrenders to General Grant at Appomattox courthouse. This marks the end of the Civil War. -
President Lincoln is assinated
John Wilkes Booth shot President Lincoln at Fords Theater during a performance of My American Cousin. Lincoln was pronounced dead early the next morning. Also on this night, William Seward and his family were attacked by Booth's co-conspirator, Lewis Powell. -
John Wilkes Booth capture
John Wilkes Booth is captured in a barn in Virginia at the Garret's farm. He was shot and killed by Boston Corbett. -
Juneteenth
General Granger arrives in Texas and tells them about the Emancipation Proclamation. It is now celebrated as holiday called Juneteenth -
Lincoln's Conspirators are punished
The four conspirators in Lincoln's assassination are hanged. These men are Davide Harold, George Atzerodt, Lewis Payne, and Mary Surratt. John Surratt escapes to Canada and later makes his way to Egypt so he does not pay for his involvement in Lincoln's death. -
Henry Wirz's hanging
Major Henry Wirz is hanged. He was the leader of the atrocious war camp, Andersonville. He became the only soldier hanged for war crimes. -
The 13th Amendment
The 13th Amendment is ratified by three-quarters of the states. This amendment permenantly abolishes slavery in the United States. -
The KKK
Jonathan Shank and Barry Ownby form the Ku Klux Klan to resist reconstruction as well as to repress the freed African Americans -
The last of the Liberator
The last issue of the Liberator is published. The newspaper has now becomes unnecessary because the slaves have been freed. -
Peace amongst the states
The United States declares that a state of peace exists with Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia -
The 14th Amendment
The 14th amendment is ratified. This gives civil rights to all the freed African Americans. -
Tenessee's readmition
Tennessee becomes the first state readmitted to the Union. -
The rank of Admiral
Congress creates the rank of Admiral. David Farragut is appointed to that rank. -
the rank of General
Congress passes the legislation making General of the Army a rank. Ulysses S. Grant is the first to hold that title. -
Black males can vote
African American males are given the right to vote in Washington D.C. Congress over came President Johnson's veto to give the African Americans this right. -
Nebraska joins the Union
Nebraska joins the United States of America as the 37th state. -
The First Reconstruction Act
The first reconstruction act sets up five military districts in the South, each under the control of a military commander. The Army Appropriations Act is passed, lessening Johnsons' control on the army. The final act passed is The Tenure Office Act which states that Johnson cannot remove cabinet members without the Senate's consent. -
African Americans protest segregation
African Americans stage a ride on streetcars in New Orleans to protest segregation. -
Alaska's admission to the Union
President Andrew Johnson announces the purchase of Alaska. This would be the second to last state added to the United States of America. -
Readmission to the Union
Congress passes a bill admitting Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina into the Union. Virginia, Mississippi, and Texas, having refused to ratify the fourteenth amendment, were refused admission into the Union -
Grant earns Secretary of War
President Johnson places Ulysses S Grant as Secretary of War in replacement of Stanton after Johnson and Stanton fued over reconstruction plans. -
Alaska is formally acquired
The United States officially took possesion of Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. -
The presentation of Impeachment
Congress looks into impeaching Johnson for his lack of effectiveness and unwillingness to follow through with reconstruction.
