Civil War Timeline

 February 09, 1861 Confederation was formed

The Confederate Constitution was drafted in a conference in Montgomery, Alabama, by the seven seceding states. It is similar to the United States Constitution, but places a larger emphasis on each state's sovereignty. Until elections could be conducted, Jefferson Davis was appointed president of the Confederacy.

March 1861 Lincoln Inaugurated

On March 4th, Abraham Lincoln was sworn in as President of the United States. The new president said that he had no intentions to abolish slavery in existing states, but that he would not allow secession. He wanted to find a peaceful solution to the national issue.

April 1861 Attack on Ft. Sumter

In order to prevent violence, President Abraham Lincoln informed the state of his plans to deliver supplies to Fort Sumter. South Carolina, on the other hand, was suspicious of a ruse, and the fort's commander, Robert Anderson, was ordered to surrender immediately. Anderson volunteered to surrender, but only when his supplies were depleted. After his offer was turned down, the Civil War broke out on April 12, with bullets fired at the fort. South Carolina ultimately took control of Fort Sumter.

July 1861 First Battle of Bull Run

Many troops on both sides were injured or killed in this fight, which was one of many. General Irvin McDowell was given orders to attack Confederate forces in Virginia. On July 21, McDowell launched an assault, which was first successful, but the arrival of Confederate troops resulted in a Southern triumph. General George B. McClellan took over for McDowell.

January 1862 Many Battles

The First and Second Engagements of Bull Run, the Battle of Shiloh, the Battle of Antietam, and the Battle of Fredericksburg are only a few of the important battles. There was also the legendary maritime fight between the Monitor and the Merrimac, two ironclad warships. These ships featured armor plates made of iron or steel on their sides, making them considerably stronger and forever altering the way wars were fought at sea.

January 01, 1863 Emancipation Proclamation

President Abraham Lincoln signs an executive order that frees many slaves and establishes the Thirteenth Amendment.

July 01, 1863 Battle of Gettysburg

This was a pivotal fight in the Civil War, since the North not only won the battle but also began to win the war.

September 02, 1864 Sherman captures Atlanta

The city of Atlanta, Georgia, is taken by General Sherman. He would march to the sea later that year and conquer Savannah, Georgia. He planned to demolish and burn most of the country his troops traveled through on the route.

April 04, 1865 General Lee Surrenders

General Robert E. Lee, the Confederate Army's commander, surrenders at Appomattox Court House in Virginia to General Ulysses S. Grant.

April 14, 1865 Lincoln Assassinated

President Abraham Lincoln is shot and murdered by John Wilkes Booth while visiting the Ford's Theatre.

May 1865 End of Civil War

Palmito Ranch was the scene of the most recent big fight. The Confederates were victorious. The last of the Confederate troops surrendered.