Civil War Timeline

  • Fort Sumter

    Fort Sumter
    The beginning of the Civil War, Confederates fired on the Union, leading the Union to surrender.
  • Bull Run 1

    Bull Run 1
    The first major battle, the Confederates won, which made the Union retreat.
  • Battle of the Ironclads

    Battle of the Ironclads
    The first meeting of the Ironclads was a new type of war. The battle tied however it provided both sides with new designs and tactics.
  • Bull Run 2

    Bull Run 2
    Another major Confederate victory that supported Southern morale. General Lee's forces defeated the Union army under General Pope, leading to a significant retreat and setting the stage for the Confederate invasion of the North.
  • Shiloh

    Shiloh
    One of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War, the Union nearly lost but was able to come back together and win.
  • Bull Run 2

    Bull Run 2
    Major Confederate victory that boosted Southern morale. General Lee's forces defeated the Union army under General Pope, leading to a significant retreat and setting the stage for the Confederate invasion of the North.
  • Antietam

    Antietam
    The bloodiest single-day battle in American history, leading to a strategic Union victory. Union forces under General McClellan halted Lee's invasion of the North. This battle gave President Lincoln the confidence to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.
  • Fredericksburg

    Fredericksburg
    Confederates won, the Union had a lot of casualties while the South had a strategy and good plan.
  • Chancellorsville

    Chancellorsville
    Considered General Lee's greatest victory even though he was outnumbered he had good tactics. Confederates won by a lot.
  • Vicksburg

    Vicksburg
    Gave the Union control of the Mississippi River, splitting the Confederacy in two. General Grant's successful block of Vicksburg led to the surrender of the Confederate garrison, a pivotal moment in the Western Theater.
  • Brandy Station

    Brandy Station
    The largest cavalry battle of the Civil War and a foreshadow of the Gettysburg Campaign. Union and Confederate clash demonstrated the improved effectiveness of the Union cavalry.
  • Gettysburg

    Gettysburg
    A turning point in the Civil War, marking the last major Confederate attempt to invade the North. Union forces under General Meade defeated Lee's army, ending in heavy casualties and forcing the Confederates to retreat.
  • Sherman's March to the Sea

    Sherman's March to the Sea
    Showed the Union's ability to conduct total war, destroying the South's infrastructure and economy. General Sherman led his troops from Atlanta to Savannah, destroying railroads, factories, and farms, undermining the Confederate war effort.
  • Appomattox Court House

    Appomattox Court House
    Marked the end of the Civil War with the surrender of General Lee. General Lee surrendered to General Grant, leading to the eventual surrender of remaining Confederate forces and the restoration of the Union.