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Battle of Fort Sumter
The Battle of Fort Sumter was important as it marked as the start of the Civil War. It was located in Charleston, South Carolina. The fight was around 34 hours long. By the end of the battle there was zero soldiers dead. This battle was deemed a win for the confedederates. As the United States military surrendered the Fort. -
First Battle of Bull Run
The First Battle of Bull Run was the first major battle of the war. It occurred near Manassas, Virginia. Union forces from Washington, DC with about 28,450 men, under the command of General Irvin McDowell, attempted to surprise 32,230 Confederate troops. This was unsuccessful as confederate forces got ahold of the plan and were ready. There were many deaths as the confederates lost 1,982 soldiers, and the Union had 2,896 casualties. -
Battles at Fort Henry and Fort Donelson
Both of these battles happened in the same month 10 miles apart from each other. The Confederates Fort Henry fell on Feb 5th. The Confederate troops evacuated Fort Henry and moved to Fort Donelson 10 miles away, and Grant’s troops followed them. Union casualties were 2,331 while the Confederacy suffered more than 15,000. The Union could now head south through Tennessee. This was the Union's first victory. -
Battle of the Monitor and the Merrimack
The Battle of Hampton Roads was the most famous and well-known naval battle of the Civil War. It was the first engagement of ironclad warships during the Civil War and was fought between the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia. While neither side could claim victory, the battle demonstrated the viability of ironclad technology and showed a glimpse into the future of naval warfare. -
The Battle of Shiloh
The Civil War’s Battle of Shiloh ended with a Union victory over Confederate forces in Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee. During the battle, The Confederates drove the Union army back to the banks of the Tennessee River. This was a very gruesome battle as more than 23,000 were dead and or wounded. This battle ended up being a win for the union. It then allowed Grant and the union to begin a massive operation in the Mississippi Valley later that year. -
Battle and Capture of New Orleans
New Orleans was a major target for the Union. New Orleans was the Confederacy’s largest city. Also given its location at the mouth of the Mississippi River, it was a trading location with a powerful and economical port. The attack began on April 18, 1862, when the Union fleet, led by David Farragut, attacked the forts of New Orleans. During the battle. 39 Union troops were killed, while the Confederates lost approximately 140 men. This was a very important win for the Union. -
The Battle of Antietam
The Battle of Antietam was the first major Civil War battle that occurred in the North. This was because General Robert Lee of the Confederates wanted to push upward. During the battle, General Lee’s forces were surrounded by Major General McClellan’s forces and other Union forces. After much fighting Lee was forced to retreat. The battle resulted in nearly 23,000 casualties, making this the bloodiest single day in U.S. history. -
Battle of Gettysburg
This battle started on July 1, 1863, and lasted till July 3rd. The first day was a Confederate success for General Lee. Lee continued the tactical offensive on the second day, which was not as successful. the Confederates performed a last-ditch effort known as Pickett’s charge which was a fail for the Confederates and ultimately a win for the union. Between 46,000 and 51,000 soldiers from both armies were casualties in the three-day battle, making it the most costly in US history. -
Battle of Chickamauga
Union and Confederate forces both wanted control of the key railroad center of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Confederate army secured a decisive victory at Chickamauga but lost 20% of its force in battle. After two days of fierce fighting, the Rebels broke through Union lines and forced the Federals into a siege at Chattanooga. Ulysses S. Grant then soon arrived with reinforcements, allowing the Union to reverse the results of Chickamauga and score a lasting victory in the region that November. -
Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse
The battle took place over 12 days and cost 18,000 Union and 12,000 Confederate casualties. Union troops tried repeatedly but failed to break the Confederate line. Grant ultimately disengaged from the fight and ordered his men to continue their march south. This drove Confederate forces into a siege at Petersburg and eventually led them to surrender his forces. Making this a win for union troops.