The Perilous Road By D-Wade2 Apr 12, 1861 Start of civil war Period: Apr 12, 1861 to Apr 9, 1865 civil war Jul 1, 1861 The first battle of Bull Run. Dec 23, 1862 The Jefferson Davis Proclomation was imputed. May 1, 1864 The battle of Spotsylvania. Apr 9, 1865 General Lee surrenders at the Appomattox Court House.