Civil War Timeline By 17heakink Period: Jan 1, 1861 to Dec 31, 1865 Civil War Feb 4, 1861 Confederate States of America Formed Apr 12, 1861 Battle of Ft. Sumter Jul 21, 1861 First Battle of Bull Run (Manassas) May 6, 1863 . Jul 1, 1863 Battle of Gettysburg Apr 9, 1865 Confederates Surrender at Appomattix