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The Dred Scott Decision
After a couple of cases regarding Dred Scott's freedom, the Supreme court made the Dred Scott decision. -
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Lincoln–Douglas Debates
The Lincoln-Douglas debates - won by Douglas, who said that each state should decide whether to be free or slave. -
John Brown's Raid
After breaking up with his good friend Frederick Douglass, John Brown had a raid on Harpers Ferry. -
President Lincoln is Elected
Lincoln is elected President. -
Some States Secede
South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas all secede from the Union. -
Mississippi Secedes
Mississippi adopts the Ordinance of Secession, lowers the Stars and Stripes, and raises a new blue flag bearing a single white star over the State Capitol in Jackson. -
The Confederate States of America is Formed
The Confederate States of America is formed with Jefferson Davis, a West Point graduate and former U.S. Army officer, as president. -
The Civil War Began
After Fort Sumter is attacked, the Civil war begins -
Virginia Secedes
Virginia seceded, followed by Arkansas, Tennessee and North Carolina. -
Special Session of Congress
President Lincoln convenes a special session of Congress to ask for help conducting and funding the war and outlines the events that ignited the conflict. -
President Lincoln's Son Dies
President Lincoln's son, Willie, dies of fever. -
Congress Authorizes Black Enlistment in the Union Army
A little after Frederick Douglass encouraged black soldiers to fight in the army, the Government established the Bureau of Colored Troops to manage the burgeoning numbers of black soldiers. -
Lee Surrenders
Confederate army general Robert E. Lee surrenders to general Ulysses S. Grant, ending the terrible Civil war. -
President Lincoln Assassinated
Lincoln and his wife, Mary go to see a play called "Our American Cousin" at Ford's Theater. At about ten P.M. Lincoln is shot.
