American civil war battles

(1861)The first conflict in the war, which was fought in the harbor of Charleston

(1861) This was the first major land battle of the war; Confederate troops obliterated the North as people watched the battle in Virginia at the site of Wilmer McLean's home.

(1862) Bloody western battle; Was a Union victory under Grant

(1862) Often considered the bloodiest day in American history fought in Maryland, it led to the Emancipation Proclamation.

(1862) Disastrous Union defeat in the east(Virginia), crushed morale

(May 1863): Confederate masterpiece, but the loss of "Stonewall" Jackson was a severe blow

(July 1863): Major Union victory, halting Lee's Northern invasion; a key turning point. This is where the infamous Pickett's Charge happened.

(July 1863): Grant's triumph secured Union control of the Mississippi River, splitting the Confederacy.

(Sept 1863): Bloodiest battle in the West; rare Confederate tactical victory in the Western Theater.

(Nov 1863): Union victory opening the way to the Deep South for Sherman.

(May 1864): Brutal, inconclusive battle marking the start of Grant's Overland Campaign.

(May 1864): Fierce fighting, heavy casualties, showcasing Grant's relentless pressure.

(June 1864): Another devastating Union defeat during the Overland Campaign.

(July-Sept 1864): The fall of this city boosted Northern morale and helped Lincoln win re-election. Was the end of Sherman's March to the sea.

(April 1865): Lee's surrender to Grant effectively ended the war. Was signed at the home of Wilmer McLean (Again)