Civil War Timeline

Lincoln Elected

Nov 6, 1860

Abe Lincoln is elected 16th President of the United States, the first Republican President.

South Carolina Secedes

Dec 20, 1860

South Carolina is the first state to secede from the Union.

Six More States Secede

1861

Confederate States of America

Feb 8, 1861

Slave states form the Confederate States of America

Jefferson Davis Elected

Mar 18, 1861

Jeff Davis is elected as the first President of Confederate States of America.

Civil War Starts

Apr 12, 1861

Confederate Forces fire upon Fort Sumter, Civil War formally starts.

First Battle of Bull Run

Jul 21, 1861

Battle is fought near Manassas, Virginia. Union retreats after a long battle.

Capture of New Orleans

Apr 13, 1862

Union captures New Orleans

Second Battle of Bull Run

Aug 30, 1862

Same ground as First, Union is defeated once again.

Battle of Antietam

Sep 17, 1862

First Battle in the North, 23,000 deaths.

Emancipation Proclamation

Jan 1, 1863

Attempts to abolish slavery, but doesn't completely do it.

Battle of Gettysburg

Jul 1, 1863

Bloodiest battle of Civil War

Lincoln inaugurated 2nd Time

Mar 4, 1865

President Lincoln elected for second time.

Lee Surrenders

Apr 9, 1865

Lee surrenders to Grant after early morning battle.

Lincoln Assassinated

Apr 14, 1865

Lincoln assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Fords Theater.

General Joseph Johnston Surrenders

Apr 26, 1865

General Joseph Johnston Surrenders to Union forces

General Taylor Surrenders

May 4, 1865

General Richard Taylor surrenders in Alabama

Jefferson Davis Captured

May 10, 1865

Jeff Davis Captured at Irwinville, Georgia.

Final Battle of Civil War

May 12, 1865

Confederate Victory at Palmito Ranch

Civil War Officially Ends

May 26, 1865

Simon Bolivar surrenders, and civil war officially ends.