Civil War

Explore pivotal battles, legendary leaders, and dramatic turning points of the American Civil War (1861-1865) through this comprehensive collection of historical events. From the first shots at Fort Sumter to Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House, discover the military strategies, political tensions, and human stories that shaped this defining conflict between the Union and Confederate forces.

76 events in this collection

February 4, 1861

Confederate States Formation

Seven Southern states officially established the Confederate States of America, marking a pivotal moment that led to the American Civil War. The formation occurred in Montgomery, Alabama, with Jefferson Davis elected as president.

February 9, 1861

Jefferson Davis Elected Confederate President

Jefferson Davis was unanimously elected as the provisional president of the Confederate States of America by the Confederate Constitutional Convention in Montgomery, Alabama, marking a crucial moment in the American Civil War.

February 18, 1861

Jefferson Davis Confederate Inauguration

On February 18, 1861, Jefferson Davis was inaugurated as the first and only President of the Confederate States of America in Montgomery, Alabama. The ceremony took place at the Alabama State Capitol, marking the formal establishment of the Confederate government.

March 4, 1861

Lincoln's Presidential Inauguration

Abraham Lincoln took the oath of office as the 16th President of the United States during a period of intense national crisis, with seven Southern states already seceded from the Union. The inauguration marked the beginning of one of the most consequential presidencies in American history.

March 4, 1861

Lincoln's Haunted Red Room

During Abraham Lincoln's presidency (1861-1865), the White House's Red Room became a focal point of supernatural activity. Multiple witnesses, including Lincoln himself, documented unexplained phenomena such as mysterious footsteps, temperature drops, moving objects, and apparitions.

March 11, 1861

Confederate Constitution Adoption

The Confederate Constitution was officially adopted in Montgomery, Alabama, establishing the legal framework for the Confederate States of America. This pivotal document, created by delegates from seven Southern states, marked a significant moment in American history leading to the Civil War.

April 1, 1861

Elizabeth Van Lew's Union Spy Network

Elizabeth Van Lew, a Richmond socialite turned Union spy, established and operated the most successful Union intelligence network in the Confederate capital from 1861 to 1865. Despite her Confederate family background, she leveraged her social position to gather critical military intelligence while maintaining the deceptive persona of 'Crazy Bet'.

April 12, 1861

Battle of Fort Sumter

The American Civil War began when Confederate forces under General P.G.T. Beauregard launched a 34-hour bombardment of Union-held Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. The battle ended with the fort's surrender and marked the beginning of America's bloodiest conflict.

April 12, 1861

Battle of Fort Sumter

The Confederate bombardment of Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, marked the beginning of the American Civil War. After 34 hours of artillery fire, the Union garrison surrendered the fort, catalyzing the nation's descent into full-scale civil war.

April 12, 1861

Rose O'Neal Greenhow Becomes Confederate Spy

Rose O'Neal Greenhow, a prominent Washington socialite, initiates her espionage activities for the Confederacy following the fall of Fort Sumter, establishing one of the most sophisticated intelligence networks of the Civil War era.

April 12, 1861

American Civil War Begins

The American Civil War officially began with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, marking the start of the deadliest conflict in U.S. history.

April 12, 1861

American Civil War Begins

The American Civil War officially begins when Confederate forces under General P.G.T. Beauregard launch an artillery bombardment against Union-held Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, marking the start of the bloodiest conflict in U.S. history.

April 13, 1861

Fort Sumter Surrenders

The surrender of Fort Sumter on April 13, 1861, marked the beginning of the American Civil War. After 34 hours of Confederate bombardment, Union Major Robert Anderson surrendered the fort to Confederate forces, making it the first major Confederate victory of the war.

April 17, 1861

Virginia's Secession

Virginia's decision to secede from the Union marked a critical turning point in the American Civil War, coming after the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter and Lincoln's call for troops. As the most populous and economically powerful Southern state, Virginia's secession transformed a regional dispute into a full-scale civil war.

June 10, 1861

Dorothea Dix Appointed as Army Nurses Superintendent

Dorothea Dix made history by becoming the first woman to serve in a high-ranking federal position when she was appointed as Superintendent of Army Nurses for the Union Army during the American Civil War.

June 14, 1861

Nathan Bedford Forrest's Military Rise

Nathan Bedford Forrest's unprecedented advancement from private to lieutenant general in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War, showcasing exceptional military leadership despite no formal training.

July 21, 1861

First Battle of Bull Run

The First Battle of Bull Run was a pivotal engagement of the American Civil War, fought on July 21, 1861, near Manassas Junction, Virginia. The battle resulted in a Confederate victory and shattered both sides' illusions of a quick war.

July 21, 1861

Matthew Brady's Civil War Photography

Matthew Brady transformed wartime documentation by pioneering battlefield photography during the American Civil War, receiving special permission from President Lincoln to capture the conflict through his lens. His work marked the first systematic attempt to document American warfare through photography.

July 27, 1861

McClellan's Appointment as Union Commander

General George B. McClellan, at age 34, was appointed commander of the Union Army during the American Civil War. Following successful campaigns in western Virginia, he took command of the Army of the Potomac on July 27, 1861, and was later promoted to General-in-Chief of all Union armies.

August 10, 1861

Battle of Wilson's Creek

The Battle of Wilson's Creek was a crucial Civil War engagement that took place near Springfield, Missouri. As the first major battle west of the Mississippi River, it resulted in over 2,500 casualties and the death of Union General Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general killed in the war.

February 6, 1862

Battle of Fort Henry

On February 6, 1862, Union forces led by Flag Officer Andrew Hull Foote captured Fort Henry from Confederate forces in a decisive 75-minute naval bombardment. This victory secured Union control of the Tennessee River and marked a crucial turning point in the Civil War's Western Theater.

February 11, 1862

Battle of Fort Donelson

A decisive Union victory in the American Civil War where General Ulysses S. Grant captured the Confederate stronghold Fort Donelson, leading to the surrender of approximately 12,000 Confederate soldiers and securing Union control of Kentucky and Tennessee.

March 8, 1862

Battle of Hampton Roads

The Battle of Hampton Roads was a pivotal naval engagement of the American Civil War fought on March 8-9, 1862, marking the first battle between ironclad warships USS Monitor and CSS Virginia. This revolutionary confrontation transformed naval warfare by demonstrating the obsolescence of wooden vessels.

April 4, 1862

Willie Lincoln's Ghost First Sighting

First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln reported seeing the ghost of her deceased son Willie Lincoln in the White House's Red Room, marking the beginning of numerous supernatural encounters and séances in the presidential residence.

April 6, 1862

Battle of Shiloh

A pivotal two-day battle of the American Civil War fought on April 6-7, 1862, near Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, resulting in a crucial Union victory and over 23,000 casualties.

April 14, 1862

White House Red Room Haunted Chandelier

During the American Civil War, a crystal chandelier in the White House's Red Room began exhibiting mysterious movements without any apparent cause, first documented on April 14, 1862. The phenomenon continued throughout Lincoln's presidency, particularly intensifying during major battles.

April 25, 1862

Capture of New Orleans

Union Admiral David Farragut led a successful naval assault capturing New Orleans, the Confederacy's largest city and most important port. This strategic victory gave the Union control over the lower Mississippi River and dealt a severe blow to Confederate supply lines.

April 25, 1862

Fall of New Orleans

Union forces led by Admiral David Farragut captured New Orleans, the Confederacy's largest city and most important port, after a successful naval campaign that broke through Confederate defenses at Forts Jackson and St. Philip.

June 1, 1862

Lee Becomes Confederate Commander

Robert E. Lee was appointed commander of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia on June 1, 1862, following General Joseph E. Johnston's injury at the Battle of Seven Pines. This appointment marked a pivotal moment in Civil War history.

August 28, 1862

Second Battle of Bull Run

A decisive Confederate victory in the American Civil War where General Robert E. Lee's 50,000 troops outmaneuvered Union forces of 62,000 men near Manassas, Virginia, resulting in over 22,000 total casualties.

September 15, 1862

Capture of Harpers Ferry

Confederate General 'Stonewall' Jackson captured the strategic town of Harpers Ferry, securing the largest Union surrender of the Civil War with over 12,000 prisoners and significant military supplies.

September 17, 1862

Battle of Antietam

The Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest single-day battle in American military history, resulting in over 23,000 casualties. This pivotal Civil War engagement near Sharpsburg, Maryland, ended Confederate General Robert E. Lee's first invasion of the North and gave President Lincoln the political backing to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.

December 11, 1862

Battle of Fredericksburg

A devastating Civil War battle fought from December 11-15, 1862, where Confederate forces under Robert E. Lee decisively defeated Union forces led by Ambrose Burnside, resulting in massive Union casualties during repeated unsuccessful assaults on Marye's Heights.

January 1, 1863

Emancipation Proclamation

President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, a landmark executive order that declared all slaves in Confederate states to be free. This historic document transformed the Civil War from a conflict over states' rights to a fight for human freedom.

January 1, 1863

Emancipation Proclamation

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all slaves in Confederate states to be free. This historic executive order transformed the Civil War into a fight for human freedom and laid the groundwork for the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States.

January 1, 1863

Emancipation Proclamation

President Abraham Lincoln's executive order that declared freedom for all enslaved people in Confederate states during the American Civil War, transforming the conflict into a fight for human freedom and enabling Black Americans to join the Union military forces.

January 1, 1863

First Coal Miners' Union Formation

The American Miners' Association (AMA) became the first formal coal miners' union in the United States, established by English immigrants in Illinois. This groundbreaking organization fought against dangerous working conditions and unfair treatment during the Industrial Revolution.

April 1, 1863

First White House Séance

In April 1863, following the death of her son Willie, First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln organized the first documented séance in the White House Red Room, marking a significant moment in both presidential and spiritualist history.

April 23, 1863

First White House Séance

The historic first séance in the White House Red Room marked a significant moment when spiritualism reached the highest level of American government. First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, grieving the loss of her son Willie, organized this supernatural gathering that lasted three hours with eight participants.

April 30, 1863

Battle of Chancellorsville

A significant Civil War battle fought from April 30 to May 6, 1863, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. Confederate General Robert E. Lee achieved a remarkable victory against Union forces despite being outnumbered more than two to one, though the victory was overshadowed by the loss of Stonewall Jackson.

May 10, 1863

Death of Stonewall Jackson

Confederate Lieutenant General Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson died from pneumonia complications following friendly fire wounds received at the Battle of Chancellorsville. His death marked a crucial turning point in the American Civil War, significantly weakening the Confederate Army's tactical capabilities.

May 18, 1863

Battle of Vicksburg

The 47-day siege of Vicksburg (May 18 - July 4, 1863) was a decisive Union victory in the American Civil War. Under General Ulysses S. Grant, Union forces captured this Confederate stronghold, gaining control of the Mississippi River and effectively splitting the Confederacy in two.

June 20, 1863

West Virginia Becomes 35th U.S. State

West Virginia achieved statehood on June 20, 1863, becoming the only state formed by separating from another during the American Civil War. This historic split occurred when western Virginia counties remained loyal to the Union while Virginia voted to secede, leading to the creation of a new state through a series of conventions and legislative processes.

June 20, 1863

Formation of West Virginia

West Virginia became the 35th U.S. state on June 20, 1863, marking the only instance in American history where a state was created by separating from another during the Civil War. The split occurred due to fundamental differences in economy, culture, and stance on slavery between eastern and western Virginia.

June 20, 1863

West Virginia Becomes 35th U.S. State

West Virginia achieved statehood on June 20, 1863, becoming the only state formed by separating from another state during the Civil War. The region broke away from Confederate Virginia due to strong Union loyalty and distinct economic differences.

June 29, 1863

Custer Becomes Youngest Union General

George Armstrong Custer made history by becoming the youngest brigadier general in the Union Army at age 23, marking one of the most remarkable promotions in American military history.

July 1, 1863

Battle of Gettysburg

The Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863) was the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War, resulting in over 50,000 casualties. This decisive Union victory under Major General George Meade against Confederate General Robert E. Lee's forces marked a turning point in the war.

July 4, 1863

Battle of Vicksburg

The Battle of Vicksburg was a pivotal 47-day siege during the American Civil War, where Union forces under General Ulysses S. Grant captured the Confederate stronghold, effectively splitting the Confederacy and gaining control of the Mississippi River.

July 4, 1863

Battle of Vicksburg Surrender

The Battle of Vicksburg concluded on July 4, 1863, marking a crucial Union victory in the American Civil War. After a 47-day siege, Confederate forces surrendered to Union Major General Ulysses S. Grant, giving the North control of the vital Mississippi River and effectively splitting the Confederacy in two.

July 4, 1863

Siege of Vicksburg

The Siege of Vicksburg, a 47-day military campaign led by Union General Ulysses S. Grant, concluded with Confederate surrender on July 4, 1863, marking a decisive turning point in the American Civil War by securing Union control of the Mississippi River.

July 13, 1863

New York City Draft Riots

A violent uprising in New York City sparked by Civil War military conscription that resulted in over 119 deaths and $1.5 million in property damage. The riots highlighted social, economic, and racial tensions in the war-torn nation.

July 13, 1863

New York Draft Riots

A deadly five-day civil uprising in New York City sparked by the Civil War draft law that allowed wealthy citizens to buy their way out of military service for $300. The riots resulted in 119 deaths, over 2,000 injuries, and massive property destruction.

July 18, 1863

Battle of Fort Wagner

A pivotal American Civil War battle where Union forces launched two major assaults against Confederate Fort Wagner near Charleston. The battle is particularly notable for featuring the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, one of the first African American regiments, in a heroic charge that helped change perceptions of Black soldiers.

September 19, 1863

Battle of Chickamauga

A major Civil War battle fought near Chickamauga Creek, Georgia, between Union forces under Major General William Rosecrans and Confederate troops led by General Braxton Bragg, resulting in over 34,000 casualties and a Confederate victory.

November 19, 1863

Gettysburg Address

President Abraham Lincoln delivered his historic 272-word Gettysburg Address at the dedication ceremony of the Soldiers' National Cemetery, transforming a simple dedication into a powerful statement about democracy, human equality, and national purpose during the American Civil War.

February 24, 1864

Andersonville Prison

Andersonville Prison, operating from February 1864 to May 1865, was one of the most notorious Confederate prisoner-of-war camps during the American Civil War. Originally designed for 10,000 prisoners, it held over 32,000 at its peak, resulting in the deaths of nearly 13,000 Union soldiers due to overcrowding, disease, and malnutrition.

March 18, 1864

Sherman's Appointment as Union Army Commander

General William Tecumseh Sherman was appointed commander of the Military Division of Mississippi, including the Army of Tennessee, marking a crucial turning point in the American Civil War. His appointment led to revolutionary changes in military tactics and strategy.

April 12, 1864

Fort Pillow Massacre

Confederate forces under Nathan Bedford Forrest attacked Fort Pillow in Tennessee, killing hundreds of surrendering Union soldiers, predominantly African American troops. This event became one of the most controversial atrocities of the American Civil War.

May 31, 1864

Battle of Cold Harbor

A devastating Civil War battle fought from May 31 to June 12, 1864, near Mechanicsville, Virginia, resulting in massive Union casualties during Grant's Overland Campaign. The battle marked a significant turning point when Union forces suffered over 12,000 casualties against Confederate defensive positions.

June 9, 1864

Siege of Petersburg

A pivotal 292-day military campaign during the American Civil War where Union forces under Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant besieged Confederate forces under Gen. Robert E. Lee at Petersburg, Virginia, ultimately leading to the Confederate surrender.

July 22, 1864

Battle of Atlanta

A pivotal Civil War battle fought on July 22, 1864, where Union forces under General Sherman defeated Confederate troops led by General Hood, leading to the capture of Atlanta and helping secure President Lincoln's reelection.

August 5, 1864

Battle of Mobile Bay

Union Admiral David Farragut led a decisive naval victory against Confederate forces at Mobile Bay, Alabama, famously ordering 'Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!' The battle resulted in Union control of the last major Confederate port on the Gulf Coast.

August 7, 1864

Shenandoah Valley Campaign

A pivotal Civil War campaign where Union General Philip Sheridan led 40,000 troops to destroy Confederate forces and resources in the Shenandoah Valley, effectively eliminating a crucial Confederate supply route and base of operations.

September 2, 1864

Fall of Atlanta

Union General William T. Sherman captured Atlanta, a crucial Confederate stronghold, after a four-month military campaign. This victory proved decisive for the Union cause, boosting Northern morale and helping secure President Lincoln's re-election.

November 15, 1864

Sherman's March to the Sea

A devastating 285-mile military campaign during the American Civil War, where Union forces under General Sherman marched from Atlanta to Savannah, implementing total war tactics that targeted both military and civilian infrastructure.

December 15, 1864

Battle of Nashville

The Battle of Nashville (December 15-16, 1864) was a decisive Union victory during the American Civil War. Union forces under Major General George H. Thomas defeated Confederate forces led by General John Bell Hood, effectively destroying the Confederate Army of Tennessee.

January 1, 1865

Second Industrial Revolution

The Second Industrial Revolution (1865-1900) transformed America into a global industrial powerhouse through groundbreaking innovations in electricity, steel production, and manufacturing methods, led by visionaries like Edison, Carnegie, and Rockefeller.

January 15, 1865

Capture of Fort Fisher

The Union forces captured Fort Fisher, known as the 'Gibraltar of the South', after a massive combined army-navy assault. This victory effectively cut off the Confederacy's last major supply route and hastened the end of the Civil War.

February 3, 1865

Hampton Roads Conference

A historic peace negotiation meeting during the American Civil War between President Abraham Lincoln and Confederate representatives aboard the River Queen steamboat in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Despite four hours of discussions, the conference failed to achieve peace.

April 3, 1865

Fall of Richmond

The capture of Richmond by Union forces on April 3, 1865, marked a decisive turning point in the American Civil War. Confederate forces evacuated the city, setting fire to military supplies which led to a devastating fire destroying much of the business district.

April 9, 1865

Surrender at Appomattox

The historic surrender at Appomattox Court House marked the effective end of the American Civil War when Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant. The meeting took place at the McLean House and established terms that would help reunite the divided nation.

April 9, 1865

Surrender at Appomattox

The historic surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House effectively ended the American Civil War in the eastern theater and symbolized the beginning of national reconciliation.

April 9, 1865

Battle of Appomattox Court House

The Battle of Appomattox Court House was the final major military engagement of the American Civil War, where Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered his Army of Northern Virginia to Union General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865, effectively ending the Civil War.

April 14, 1865

Lincoln's Assassination

President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. during a performance of 'Our American Cousin'. The assassination occurred just five days after the Confederate surrender at Appomattox Court House.

April 14, 1865

Lincoln Assassination

President Abraham Lincoln was fatally shot by John Wilkes Booth during a performance at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. The assassination occurred just days after the Civil War's end, dramatically altering the course of American history.

April 15, 1865

Andrew Johnson's Presidential Oath

Andrew Johnson was sworn in as the 17th President of the United States on April 15, 1865, following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. The ceremony took place at the Kirkwood House in Washington, D.C., with Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase administering the oath of office.