The Civil War

South begins seceding from the Union

Dec 24, 1860

By February seven states had seceded from the Union.

Jefferson Davis becomes President of the Confederacy

Feb 18, 1861

The US now has two Presidents.

Lincoln's Inauguration

Mar 4, 1861

Abraham Lincoln was the Republican candidate for the presidency.

Fort Sumter bombed

Apr 12, 1861

The attack on Fort Sumter at 4:30 a.m. started the Civil War.

First Battle at Bull Run (Manassas)

Jul 21, 1861

The first major battle of the Civil War. Union troops retreated. 900 soldiers died.

Battle of Shiloh

Apr 6, 1862

Known as the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. 23,500 soldiers were dead or missing

Battle of Antietam

Sep 16, 1862

This battle lead to Lincoln issuing the Emancipation Proclamation.

Emancipation Proclamation

Sep 22, 1862

Lincoln's proclamation freeing the slaves.

Battle of Gettysburg

Jul 1, 1863

The most popular battle of the Civil War. Considered the turning point of the war. General Meade lost 70% of his troops but captured 4,000 Confederate soldiers.

Battle of Vicksburg

Jul 4, 1863

Lasted from December 1862 until July 1863. This battle split the Confederacy in two and the North now controlled the Mississippi River.

Gettysburg Address

Nov 19, 1863

The most famous speech from the Civil War.

Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse

Apr 9, 1865

The end of the Civil War. General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant. Lee said about the surrender terms Grant presented "You have been very generous to the South."