Major Events of the U.S. The Civil War

By bjc988

  • Fort Sumter

    Ft. Sumter National Park Fort Sumter is bombarded and surrenders to South Carlonia troops.

  • First Battle of Manassas

    First Battle of Manassas Confederate forces win a victory at the First Battle of Manassas. Confederate General Thomas J. Jackson earns the nickname “Stonewall” for his tenacity in the battle.

  • Vessels made of Steel

    Model shipbuilder Video The ironclads USS Monitor and CSS Virginia (formerly the sunken USS Merrimack, which the Confederates had raised from the Norfolk Navy Yard and rebuilt as an ironclad) battle to a draw at Hampton Roads, Virginia, demonstrating the superior potential of vessels made of steel.

  • Battle of Shiloh

    Shiloh Interactive Quiz Union General Ulysses S. Grant prevails at the Battle of Shiloh in Tennessee, but not without enormous losses.

  • Battle of Antietam

    Antietam Video The Battle of Antietam, Maryland, exacts heavy losses on both sides.

  • Emancipation Proclamation

    Wordle Emancipation Proclamation Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, which declares that slaves in the seceded states are now free.

  • Battle of Gettysburg

    Gettysburg Animation The Battle of Gettysburg is fought in Pennsylvania. General George G. Meade compromises his victory by allowing Lee to retreat South across the Potomac.

  • Sherman's March

    Sherman leaves Atlanta and begins his “march to the sea,” in an attempt to demoralize the South and hasten surrender.

  • 13th Amendment

    National Archives Congress passes the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolishes slavery throughout the United States.

  • Lee Surrenders

    Robert E. Lee surrenders the Army of Northern Virginia to Grant at Appomattox.