Events in the US Civil War

6 November 1860

This Republican is elected President of the United States.

20 December 1860

This state is the first to secede from the Union.

12 April 1861

This battle occurs, often cited as the beginning of the Civil War.

21 July 1861

The first major battle of the Civil War; also called the Battle of First Mannassas

25 April 1862

This city, at the mouth of the Mississippi River, is captured by the Union.

5 September 1862

The Confederacy's first push towards Washington D.C.

17 September 1862

The battle which results in the single bloodiest day in American military history.

22 September 1862

A declaration by the President that freed all slaves in the Confederacy.

30 April 1863

General Lee's "perfect battle", where he defeated Major General Joseph Hooker.

18 May 1863

The siege and capture of this town gives the Union full control of the Mississippi River.

1 July 1863

The bloodiest battle of the Civil War.

2 March 1864

This Union general is given command of Union armies.

22 July 1864

This Union general captures Atlanta.

15 November 1864

A campaign by the above general to capture Savannah, Georgia.

9 April 1865

General Lee surrenders at this location.