Civil War Timeline

Fort Sumter

Apr 12, 1861

Fort Sumter was the first battle of the Civil War. It was an island fortification located near the middle of the Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. The battle was significant because it was the first in the Civil War, the first shots were fired after the Confederates bombed the base, which led to the first Union vs. Confederate confrontation in battle.

Union Naval Blockade

Apr 19, 1861

The Union Naval Blockade was as said in the name, a naval blockade made by the Union to block off the Confederates from trading and getting supplies. This was a genius move since the only ships faster than the blockade navy were too small to carry enough ammunition, guns, or product to really make any difference.

First Battle of Bull Run

Jul 21, 1861

This was the first major land battle of the Civil War. It started when 35,000 Union soldiers marched down to a Confederate force of 20,000 at Bull Run. The Confederates won the battle leading the Union to heavily retreat.

Trent Affair

Dec 8, 1861

The Trent Affair happened when the U.S Navy captured 2 Confederate convoys on a British ship, this led Britain to protest which almost caused a war between the 2. It was resolved after the 2 convoys were released from jail.

Battle of Antietam

Sep 17, 1862

This was a very important win for the Union because it halted the Confederates from moving up North into Union territory. It also led president Lincoln to issue the Preliminary Emancipation
Proclamation.

Issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation September 22, 1862

Sep 22, 1862

Lincoln stated that if the rebels did not end fighting and rejoin the Union by January 1st, 1863, then all slaves in the rebels states would be free.

Battle of Fredericksburg

Dec 11, 1862

This was an important battle because it was the first instance that a battle was fought in an urban area during the Civil War. It ended with the Union winning and taking Fredericksburg.

Vicksburg Campaign

Dec 29, 1862

The Vicksburg campaign was a important Union victory that cemented Ulysses S. Grant as a important Union general.

Battle of Chancellorsville

Apr 30, 1863

The Battle of Chancellorsville was a major victory for the Confederates but it came with a huge loss. Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson died during battle, who was one of the smartest and greatest generals in the Confederacy.

Battle of Gettysburg

Jul 1, 1863

The battle of Gettysburg was important because it completely stopped the confederates from battling on Northern land.

Gettysburg Address

Nov 19, 1863

The Gettysburg Address was spoken by Lincoln, this speech was one of his most famous and it adressed the dead and wounded from the Gettysburg battle.

Overland Campaign May

Jun 24, 1864

Although it was a Union victory, Grant lost 55,000 men which got him the nickname "the butcher"

Sherman’s March to the Sea November

Nov 15, 1864

Union soldiers stole food and burned houses of pro confederate civilians on their way down south.

Appomattox Campaign

Mar 29, 1865

The campaign ended with the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

Lee’s Surrender at Appomattox

Apr 9, 1865

Robert E. Lee surrendered.

Battle of Shiloh

Apr 6, 1882

The Battle of Shiloh was a major win for the Union. It gave them control of the Mississippi River Valley. Although this was a victory, it was one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War.