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The Civil War Begins
The South attacks Fort Sumter South Carolina and starts the war. -
Union Blockade
Abraham Lincoln announces the Union Blockade where the Union Navy will attempt to keep supplies from entering or leaving the Confederacy. This blockade will weaken the Confederacy later in the war. -
First Battle of Bull Run
This was one of many battles where many soldiers from both sides were wounded and killed. General Irvin McDowell was ordered to advance on Confederate troops stationed in Virginia. McDowell attacked on July 21, and was successful at first, but the introduction of Confederate reinforcements resulted in a Southern victory. Lincoln replaced McDowell with General George B. McClellan. -
John C. Freemont issues a proclamation freeing slaves in Missouri
John C. Fremont, commander of the western states, issues a proclamation freeing slaves in Missouri, despite Lincoln’s disapproval. Proclamation energized the anti-slavery movement, but jeopardized the Union’s hope to win over the border states of Kentucky and Maryland. -
Battle of Fort Henry
February 6, 1862 – General Ulysses S. Grant and Union forces take Fort Henry, Tennessee. -
Battle of Fort Donelson
Confederate forces surrender Fort Donelson to general Grant and Union army. -
Second Battle of Bull Run
The Second Battle of Bull Run proved to be the deciding battle in the Civil War campaign waged between Union and Confederate armies in northern Virginia in 1862. -
Emancipation Proclamation
President Lincoln issues an executive order freeing many slaves and laying the groundwork for the Thirteenth Amendment. -
Battle of Chancellorsville
General Hooker attacks Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia at Chancellorsville. Lee’s army drives back Union forces across the Rappahannock River. Despite the Confederate victory, they suffer substantial casualties including the death of Stonewall Jackson. -
Battle of Gettysburg
This was a major battle where the North not only wins the battle, but starts to win the Civil War. -
Sherman captures Atlanta
General Sherman captures the city of Atlanta, Georgia. Later in the year he would march to the sea and capture Savannah, Georgia. On his way he would destroy and burn much of the land his army passed through. -
General Lee Surrenders
General Lee, the leader of the Confederate Army, surrenders to General Ulysses S. Grant at The Appomattox Court House in Virginia.
