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Civil War Timeline
Civil War Timeline -
Lincoln Speaks at Cooper Institute
After being photographed by Matthew Brady, Abraham Lincoln speaks at the Cooper Institute in New York City. This was prior to him being the republican nominee for the presidency, as the convention was scheduled for May. -
Start Date of First Democratic National Convention
The 1860 Democratic National Convention was held at South Carolina Institute Hall in Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston was probably the most pro-slavery city in the U.S. at the time, and the galleries at the convention were packed with pro-slavery spectators. The meeting ended off in a deadlock without choosing a presidential candidate. -
Constitution Union Party Created
The Constitution Union Party met in Baltimore and created a platform taken heavily from the U. S. Constitution. They selected John Bell of Tennessee for President and Edward Everett of Massachusetts for Vice-President. It represents southern Whigs and Know-nothings (American Party). It is sometimes called the Bell-Union Party. -
Start Date of Second Democratic National Convention
The Democrats met again at the Front Street Theater in Baltimore, They resumed the convention with a first business as to to decide whether to re-admit the delegates who had bolted the Charleston session, or to seat replacement delegates who had been named by pro-Douglas Democrats in some states. Since there were not enough delegates present, they could not decide on a candidate. -
Breckinridge for Presidential Nominee
Southern Democrats hold a convention in Richmond where they select John C. Breckinridge as their nominee for President. After losing the election, he joined the Confederacy at the start of the Civil War. -
Governor Gist Sends Message to Legislature
On this day, Governor Gist of South Carolina sends a message to Legislature saying, "Our institutions are in danger from the fixed majorities of the North." He describes their plan to secede from the Union, how they will secede, and why they are seceding. -
Lincoln's Election
This was the nineteenth quadrennial presidential election to select the President and Vice President of the United States. The election was held on Tuesday, November 6, 1860. This served as the primary catalyst of the American Civil War. -
James Chestnut Resigns from the Senate
James Chestnut becomes the first Southerner to resign from the Senate. He is quickly followed by James H. Hammond. They do this to show how they will not support Lincoln in his presidency. -
Distressed State of the Union Message to Congress
President James Buchanan sends a distressed State of the Union message to Congress. In it, he explains that secession is unconstitutional and that the federal government lacks the authority to prevent it. He then calls for a constitutional amendment allowing Southern states to retain slaves as property. -
South Carolina Becomes First State to Secede
South Carolina secedes from the Union due to Abraham Lincoln becoming president elect and his opinions on African Americans having common rights. They felt they were compelled to secede. -
Abraham Lincoln Becomes President
Lincoln is officially sworn in as the 16th President of the United States -
Battle of Fort Sumter
This event started the American Civil War by the bombardment of Fort Sumter near Charleston, South Carolina by the Confederate States Army, and the return of gunfire and subsequent surrender by the United States Army. -
Battle of Philippi
This battle in West Virginia was a Union victory as the first organized land action of the war, though it is generally viewed as a skirmish rather than a battle. However, the Northern press celebrated it as an epic triumph. -
Tennessee is Last State to Secede From Union
During this time, Tennessee took a vote in the Civil War's third month as to whether or not they should secede. The results left the state joining the Confederacy along with South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, and North Carolina. -
Battle of Big Bethel
The Battle of Big Bethel was one of the earliest land battles of the American Civil War. It took place on the Virginia Peninsula, near Newport News, on June 10, 1861 -
Battle of Rich Mountain
This event happened in Randolph County, Virginia as part of the operations of the West Virginia Company Campaign. This battle resulted in a Union victory. -
First Battle of Bull Run
This is also known as the First Battle of Manassas fought in William County, Virginia. It was a decisive Confederate Victory as the results. This was also two months after the Battle of Fort Sumter that started the Civil War. -
West Virginia Is Formed
The Western portion of Virginia chose to break away from the rest of the state instead of seceding. Western Virginia was made to join the Union and break away from Confederate Virginia. -
Battle of Belmont
This battle was fought on November 7, 1861 in Mississippi County, Missouri. It was the first combat test in the American Civil War for Brig. This was also a Union Victory. -
Battle of Port Royal
This battle happened in Sound, South Carolina where a U.S. navy fleet and United States army expeditionary force captured Port Royal resulting in a Union Victory. -
Battle of Ft. Donelson
The Battle of Fort Donelson was fought from February 12–16, 1862, in the Western Theater of the American Civil War.This battle resulted in a Union Victory. -
Lincoln's Son Dies
President Lincoln is struck with grief as his beloved eleven-year-old son, Willie, dies from fever, probably caused by polluted drinking water in the White House. -
Battle of Pea Ridge
This battle was also known as the Battle of Elk horn Tavern and was a major battle of the American Civil War. This battle was fought near Leetown in Arkansas and resulted in a Union Victory. -
Battle of Hampton Roads
This was also known as the Battle of the Monitor and Merrimack or the Battle of Ironclads. This battle is arguably one of the most important naval battle of the war. -
Battle of Shiloh
The Battle of Shiloh was fought in the Western Theater of the American Civil War from April 6th to the 7th of 1862, in southwestern Tennessee. This is the seventh-costliest land battle of the American Civil War with 23,746 casualties. -
Surrender of New Orleans
After a duel with Confederate ships at English Turn, Commodore Farragut's fleet weighs anchor at New Orleans and demands the surrender of the largest city and most important port in the South. By the time Farragut arrives the city was partially on fire. -
Capture of New Orlenas
After fighting past Forts Jackson and St. Philip, the Union was unopposed in its capture of the city itself. This capture of the largest Confederate city was a major turning point and an incident of international importance as the Confederacy lost one of their major cities. -
The Battle of Seven Pines
The Battle of Seven Pines is also known as the The Battle of Fair Oaks. Gen. Joseph E. Johnston's Army attacks McClellan's troops in front of Richmond and nearly defeats them.This was an inconclusive victory. -
The Seven Days Battle
The Seven Days Battles were a series of six major battles over the seven days from June 25 to July 1, 1862, near Richmond, Virginia, during the American Civil War. This battle resulted in many losses on both sides, but overall a Confederate Victory. -
Lincoln Replaces McClellan
The president replaces McClellan with Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside as the new Commander of the Army of the Potomac. Lincoln had grown impatient with McClellan's slowness to follow up on the success at Antietam, even telling him, "If you don't want to use the army, I should like to borrow it for a while." -
Emancipation Proclamation
President Lincoln issues the final Emancipation Proclamation freeing all slaves in territories held by Confederates and emphasizes the enlisting of black soldiers in the Union Army. The war to preserve the Union now became a struggle over the abolition of slavery. -
Poor Verse Wealthy Draft
The U.S. Congress enacts a draft, affecting male citizens aged 20 to 45, but exempts those who pay $300. "The blood of a poor man is as precious as that of the wealthy," poor Northerners complain. -
Battle of Chancellorsville
The Battle of Chancellorsville was a major battle of the American Civil War, and the principal engagement of the Chancellorsville Campaign. This battle resulted in a Confederate Victory with 17,000 Union losses. -
Stonewall Jackson Dies
The South suffers from a huge loss as Stonewall Jackson dies from his wounds, his last words, "Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees." Jackson died in Guinea, Virginia. -
West Virginia is a State
West Virginia becomes the 35th state to enter the United States of America. They were the first to enter the US where the terms slave and free no longer mattered. -
Battle of Gettysburg
This battle is considered the most important engagement of the Civil War. This also turned the war back over to the Union in Gettysburg, PA, where the battle was fought. -
NYC Draft Riots
Anti-draft riots in New York City include arson and the murder of blacks by poor immigrant whites. At least 120 persons, including children, are killed and $2 million in damage caused, until Union soldiers returning from Gettysburg restore order. -
Battle of Chickamuaga
This battle marked the end of a Union offensive in southeastern Tennessee and northwestern Georgia. This was also the second most costliest battle of the Civil War with over 34,000 deaths and resulted in a Confederate Victory. -
Gettysburg Address
President Lincoln delivers a two minute Gettysburg Address at a ceremony dedicating the Battlefield as a National Cemetery. Lincoln delivered this famous speech to recognize the soldiers fallen att he battle. -
Battle of Chattanooga
The Rebel siege of Chattanooga ends as Union forces under Grant defeat the Confederate army. During the battle, one of the most dramatic moments of the war occurs. Union troops avenge their previous defeat at Chickamauga by storming up the face of Missionary Ridge without orders and sweep the Rebels from what had been though to be an impregnable position. -
Libby Prison Escape
In Richmond, after weeks of digging, 109 Union officers made their escape from the well known Libby Prison. The prison was the largest and this was the most sensational escape of the war. Though 48 of the escapees were later captured and two drowned, 59 were able to make their way into Union lines. -
First Successful Submarine Attack of the Civil War.
The CSS H.L. Hunley, a seven-man submergible craft, attacked the USS Houstonic outside of Charleston, South Carolina. Struck by the submarine's torpedo, the Housatonic broke apart and sank, taking all but five of her crew with her. -
The Battle of Mansfield
This battle formed part of the Red River Campaign during the American Civil War, when Union forces were aiming to occupy the state capital, Shreveport. This was a Confederate Victory. -
Battle of Pleasant Hill
This battle is considered a continuation of the Battle at Mansfield.The Union army planned to retreat, gain artillery, and attack again. The outcome of this battle is still disputed. -
Capture of Fort Pillow, Tennessee
After a rapid raid through central and western Tennessee, Confederate army under Nathan Bedford Forrest attacked and overwhelmed the Union garrison at Fort Pillow, located on the Mississippi River. Among those at the fort were African American troops where many were murdered by Forrest's angered troopers after they had surrendered. -
Battle of the Wilderness
This was the opening battle of the "Overland Campaign" or "Wilderness Campaign". General Ulysses S. Grant, accompanying the Army of the Potomac under General Meade, issued orders for the campaign to begin on May 3. Lee responded by attacking the Union army in the woods in an area known as the Wilderness, west of Fredericksburg, Virginia. -
Battle of Spotsylvania Court House
This battle is sometimes more simply referred to as the Battle of Spotsylvania, and was the second major battle in Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's 1864 Overland Campaign of the American Civil War.The battle was inconclusive resulting in the Union offense continuing. -
Battle of Resaca
General Sherman's armies are blocked at Resaca by General Johnston's Army of Tennessee. After two days of maneuvering and intense fighting, Johnston withdraws. Sherman will advance but take precautions against ordering any further massed assaults where high casualties may occur. -
Battle of Cold Harbor
This battle took place in Virginia as relentless and bloody Union attacks fail to dislodge Lee's army from its strong line of defensive works northeast of Richmond. It resulted in a Union Victory. -
Lincoln's Second Term
Northern voters overwhelmingly endorse the leadership and policies of President Abraham Lincoln when they elect him to a second term. -
Thirteenth Amendment
The U.S. Congress approves the Thirteenth Amendment to the US Constitution. The amendment was then submitted to the states for ratification.This amendment abolished slavery. -
Hampton Road's Peace Conference
A peace conference occur's as President Lincoln meets with Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens at Hampton Roads in Virginia. However,the meeting ends in failure and the war continues. -
Lincoln's Inauguration Ceremony
Inauguration ceremonies for President Lincoln in Washington. "With malice toward none; with charity for all...let us strive on to finish the work we are in...to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations," Lincoln says. -
Last Offense For Lee's Army
The last offensive for Lee's Army of Northern Virginia begins with an attack on the center of Grant's forces at Petersburg. Four hours later the attack is broken. -
Confederate General Ambrose P. Hill Death
Grant's forces begin a general advance and break through Lee's lines at Petersburg. Confederate General Ambrose P. Hill is killed. Lee evacuates Petersburg. -
President Lincoln Enters Confederate White House
President Lincoln tours Richmond where he enters the Confederate White House. With "a serious, dreamy expression," he sits at the desk of Jefferson Davis for a few moments. -
Lee Surrenders
Gen. Robert E. Lee surrenders his Confederate Army to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at the village of Appomattox Court House in Virginia. Grant allows Rebel officers to keep their sidearms and permits soldiers to keep horses and mules. -
Lincoln's Death
The Stars and Stripes is ceremoniously raised over Fort Sumter. That night, Lincoln and his wife Mary see the play "Our American Cousin" at Ford's Theater. At 10:13 p.m., during the third act of the play, John Wilkes Booth shoots the president in the head. -
John Wilkes Booth's Death
After shooting Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth is wanted dead by many. He is shot and killed in a tobacco farm in Virginia. -
Thirteenth Amendment Is Passed
The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, passed by Congress on January 31, 1865, is finally ratified. Slavery is abolished. -
The Liberator
The last issue of The Liberator is published.However, the use of the paper was unwanted due to the slaves being freed. -
Jesse James
Jesse James robbed Clay County Savings Association. His gang that he did this with involved four men. -
New Freedman's Bureau Bill
New Freedman's Bureau bill passed by Congress. President Andrew Johnson vetoes the bill that authorized military trial for those accused of "depriving Negroes of the Civil Rights" on the same day. -
Johnson Vetoes Civil Rights Act
President Johnson vetos the Civil Rights Act of 1866. It is done under the belief that it was unconstitutional. -
State Of Peace
The United States declares that a state of peace exists with Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. -
Fourteenth Amendment Passed
The Fourteenth Amendment is passed. This allows African Americans to gain citizenship. -
Congress Overrides Johnson's Veto
April 9, 1866 Congress overrides President Andrew Johnson's veto of the Civil Rights Act. -
General Of Armies
Congress establishes "general of the armies" and Ulysses S. Grant is immediately promoted to 4-star general and put in this position. William Tecumseh Sherman assumes the rank of Lt. General. -
Fire In Philadelphia Shipyard
A fire in the Philadelphia ship-yard accidentally destroys a number of ships used during the Civil War. -
South Carolina Rejects Fourteenth Amendment
On the 6th anniversary of secession, South Carolina rejects the 14th Amendment -
Nebraska
Nebraska becomes a state. Although it became a state 2 years after the Civil War ended, it contributed heavily to the Union effort. -
Tenure Of Office Act
Congress passes the Tenure of Office Act, denying the right of the President to remove officials who had been appointed with the consent of Congress. -
Virginia Rejects African American Votes
Alexandria, Virginia rejects thousand of votes cast by Negroes, who were granted universal suffrage under the Reconstruction Act. -
General Philip Sheridan
General Philip Sheridan assumes command of the 5th Military district encompassing Louisiana and Texas. He designates New Orleans as his headquarters. -
Purchasing Alaska
William P. Seward signs a treaty with Russia buying Alaska for 2 cents an acre. Democrats called it "Seward's Folly" to show they opposed the decision. -
Entering the Union
Congress passes a bill admitting Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina into the Union. Virginia, Mississippi, and Texas, having refused to ratify the fourteenth amendment, were refused admission into the Union -
Edwin Stanton Resigns
President Andrew Johnson demands the resignation of Edwin Stanton, Secretary of War due to the fact he was against Johnsons lousy efforts to enforce reconstruction in the south. -
Alaska Formerly Acquired
The United States officially takes posession of Alaska from Russia. $7.2 million is paid for it. Alaska is where the last shots of the Civil War were fought. -
Impeachment
Congress looks into impeaching Johnson for his lack of effectiveness and unwillingness to follow through with reconstruction. -
Grange
Former Minnesota farmer Oliver Hudson Kelley founds the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry. Today this order is known as the farmers organization Grange.
