Civil War Battles & Events

Fort Sumter

The first shots of the war were aimed at a Union fort located off the coast of South Carolina.

1st Battle Manassas/Bull Run

The first major battle of the Civil War resulted in a surprising Confederate victory.

Battle of Antietam

The bloodiest day of the war resulted when Union forces confiscated Confederate battle plans.

Battle of Gettysburg

General Lee and the Confederates hoped to capture Washington, DC by invading Pennsylvania, but ended fighting a 3 day battle with the Union. The Union won, marking a "turning point" of the war.

Emancipation Proclamation

An official document issued by President Lincoln that freed slaves in the South; many African-American soldiers join Union forces.

Gettysburg Address

In his best known speech, President Lincoln led the dedication ceremony for the National Cemetery established on the site of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War.

Battle of Vicksburg

The Union successfully gained control of the Mississippi River, resulting in a promotion to Union general for Ulysses S. Grant.

Sherman's March to the Sea

Also known as the Savannah Campaign, this event, led by William Tecumseh Sherman, resulted in the destruction of major Southern cities, ports, and railroads.

Surrender at Appomattox Court House

Confederates burn Richmond as Union forces approach; General Lee later officially surrenders to General Grant, ending the bloodiest war in US history!

Lincoln's Assassination

Just 5 days after the surrender of the Confederacy, America's great leader was assassinated in Ford's Theater by a Confederate sympathizer.

Union States

Ohio, California, Pennsylvania, Kansas

Confederate States

Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama

Border States

Maryland, Kentucky, Missouri

Get the High Ground

A strategy where forces situated themselves above their enemy for better fighting advantages; tactic used by the Union during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Cut Off Supplies/Anaconda Plan

A strategy where the forces destroyed the enemy's railroads and blocked port cities to prevent the delivery of soldiers and supplies; used by the Union during the Battle of Vicksburg.

Capture the Capital City

Like capturing the king in chess, each side tried to capture the capital city of the other to end the war; attempted by the Confederacy in Gettysburg.