U.S Civil War Timeline

The First Republican President

Nov 6, 1860

Abraham Lincoln elected President of the U.S. He declares "Government can not endure half slave, half free..."

War Begins

Apr 12, 1861

Fort Sumter attacked by Confederate forces.

First Battle

Jul 2, 1861

First Battle at Bull Run is a Confederate victory by General Stonewall Jackson.

Blood is Spilled

Apr 6, 1862

The battle at Shiloh. Confederate surprise attack results in 13,000 Union soldiers killed or wounded and 10,000 Confederates lost. More men are lost than in all previous wars combined.

Another Defeat

Aug 29, 1862

Second battle of Bull Run. 75,000 Union soldiers are defeated by 55,000 Confederate soldiers.

Freedom

Jan 1, 1863

President Lincoln issues the final Emancipation Proclamation.

Turning Point

Jul 1, 1863

Union victory at the Battle of Gettysburg.

New Leader

Mar 9, 1864

General Grant appointed head of all Union Armies.

Victory

Jan 31, 1865

US Congress approves the 13th Amendment.

Surrender

Apr 9, 1865

General Robert E. Lee surrenders to General Ulysses S. Grant.