timeline of the civil war By Hailey Ecklund Period: Apr 12, 1861 to Apr 9, 1865 civil war Jan 1, 1863 battle of galveston galveston harbor was seized for the confederates. 1863 battle of sabine pass sabine pass was seized for the confederacy. May 12, 1865 battle of palmito ranch the war was ended and the union won.