Civil War Timeline

Lincoln elected President

Nov 6, 1860

Though winning in the electoral college, Lincoln's lack of a popular majority is an indication of the problems he would face with a divided nation.

American Civil war

1861

Fought in the United States from 1861 to 1865

Confederacy formed

Feb 4, 1861

Seven states form Confederacy, write their own constitution, and plan for an independent nation.

Lincoln inaugurated

Apr 4, 1861

Lincoln enters Washington D.C. in disguise because of unrest. Southerners begin seizing federal posts.

Bull Run

Jul 21, 1861

Gen. McDowell leads 30,000 men against Gen. Johnston's 22,000 Southern troops in an attempt to crush the rebels and go "On to Richmond." South scores victory as Union troops flee back to Washington in disarray. McDowell replaced by Gen. McClellan.

Shiloh

Apr 6, 1862

Grant overcomes Southern forces with heavy losses for each side: 13,000 Union casualties, 11,000 for South

Bull Run (Second Battle)

Aug 28, 1862

McClellan replaced by Gen. Pope. Lee and Gen. Stonewall Jackson defeat Union troops again at Manassas and Pope is replaced by McClellan.

Emancipation Proclamation

Sep 22, 1862

With victory at Antietam, Lincoln announces that on 1/1/63, all slaves in the rebelling states would be free. Does not affect border states. Forces European nations to recognize that choosing sides in the Civil War is to take a stand on slavery.

Fredericksburg

Dec 11, 1862

Gen. Burnside attacks Lee's fortified position and suffers 10,000 casualties.

Chancellorsville

May 6, 1863

Gen. Hooker defeated by Lee, but Jackson is mistakenly shot by his own men and killed.

Gettysburg battle

Jul 1, 1863

Over 165,000 soldiers participate in the largest battle in the Western Hemisphere. After three days of fighting, Lee retreats, leaving 4,000 dead Confederates. Total casualties: 23,000 Union, 28,000 Confederates

Chattanooga

Nov 26, 1863

Reinforced with troops from the East, Grant is able to push Southern troops back and prepare for assault on Atlanta and the heart of the Confederacy.

Wilderness & Spotsylvania

May 5, 1864

Lee stops Union troops at the Wilderness, but Grant resumes march to RichmondThough suffering huge losses (55,000 men to South's 31,000), Grant states "I propose to fight on this line if it takes all summer"

Petersburg

Jul 15, 1864

Grant focuses on important railroad junction and communication outside Richmond. Long siege of Petersburg begins with troops living in trenches which stretched for 50 miles.

Lee surrenders

Apr 9, 1865

Lee, refusing to see his troops suffer any further, surrenders to Grant. Southern troops given generous terms of surrender.