American Civil War

The Battle of Gettysburg took place from July 1st to 3rd in 1863, marking a turning point in the American Civil War with a Union victory.

The debate over the statehood of Missouri in 1818 was a significant early example of the political disputes between pro-slavery and antislavery forces, setting the stage for later conflicts over the expansion of slavery into new territories and states.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act effectively repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which had prohibited slavery north of the latitude of 36 degrees 30 minutes in the former Louisiana Territory. This repeal opened the possibility of Kansas and Nebraska becoming slave states, leading to significant controversy and contributing to the tensions that led to the American Civil War.

In 1820, Robert Lewis Dabney, a theologian and Confederate Army chaplain, was born.

The U.S. Congress passed a tariff in 1828 that increased the rates on imports into the United States, contributing to the economic and political tensions between Northern and Southern states that eventually led to the American Civil War.

Admiral David Glasgow Farragut was a prominent figure in the United States Navy during the American Civil War, known for his famous order 'Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!' during the Battle of Mobile Bay.

The end of the Mexican-American War in 1848 and the acquisition of new territory added a new sense of urgency to the dispute over the expansion of slavery, contributing to the growing tensions between Northern and Southern states.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 allowed the residents of these territories to decide on the issue of slavery through popular sovereignty, leading to increased tensions and violence in the region.

The violent clashes in Kansas between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces in 1855, known as 'Bleeding Kansas', foreshadowed the deep divisions that would erupt into the Civil War.

The Supreme Court's ruling in the Dred Scott v. Sandford case in 1857 declared that African Americans, whether free or enslaved, were not U.S. citizens and could not sue in federal court, further deepening the divide between North and South.

By 1858, the sectional rivalry in America had become incredibly bitter and hateful, with the momentum shifting in favor of the South after the Supreme Court's support of their stand on slavery with the Dred Scott decision.

In 1859, abolitionist John Brown led a raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in an attempt to start a slave rebellion. The raid was unsuccessful but heightened tensions between the North and South.

John Brown leads a raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia in an attempt to initiate a slave rebellion. The raid is quickly suppressed by U.S. Marines.

Abraham Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States in 1860, which played a significant role in escalating tensions between the North and South, ultimately leading to the Civil War.

In 1860, South Carolina seceded from the Union, a pivotal event that triggered the start of the American Civil War. This marked a significant turning point in American history.

Abraham Lincoln, an anti-slavery Republican, was elected as president on November 6, 1860, which led to the first round of state secession in the United States.

South Carolina becomes the first state to secede from the Union by adopting an Ordinance of Secession, leading to the formation of the Confederate States of America.

The Civil War commences in 1861, with Rockefeller and other northern businessmen hiring substitutes to avoid military service. Despite initial disruptions, the war ultimately spurs economic growth in the North, aiding Rockefeller's rapid rise.

On February 4, 1861, the southern states that had seceded assembled delegates at Montgomery, Alabama to organize the Confederate States of America, marking a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the American Civil War.

On February 18, 1861, the delegates at the Montgomery Convention appointed Jefferson Davis as provisional President of the Confederate States of America at Montgomery, Alabama, a position he held until elections could be arranged.

Abraham Lincoln is inaugurated as the sixteenth president of the United States in Washington, DC.

Confederate delegates in Montgomery approve the Constitution of the Confederate States of America.

The Civil War begins, leading to the halt of all trade activities along the Mississippi River. This event marks the end of Mark Twain's career as a riverboat pilot.

Confederate forces fire upon Fort Sumter, South Carolina, marking the formal beginning of the Civil War.

Confederate rebels initiated the attack on Fort Sumpter, marking the beginning of the Civil War.

President Lincoln issues a public declaration calling for 75,000 militia to stop the rebellion, leading to the secession of Virginia, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Tennessee from the Union.

United States forces cross the Potomac River and occupy Arlington Heights, the home of future Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

A skirmish near Philippi in western Virginia marks the first clash of United States and Confederate forces in the east.

The Battle of Big Bethel becomes the first land battle of the war in Virginia.

At the culmination of the Wheeling Convention, the northwestern counties of Virginia broke away to form West Virginia. It will be officially designated and accepted as the 35th state of the Union on June 20, 1863.

The Battle of Philippi occurred on June 30, 1861. It was an early engagement of the American Civil War, resulting in casualties for both the Union and the Confederacy.

The Battle of Bull Run (or First Manassas) is fought near Manassas, Virginia. The Union Army initially succeeds but faces reverses after the arrival of Confederate troops under General Joseph E. Johnston.

The First Battle of Bull Run, also known as the First Battle of Manassas, was the first major battle of the American Civil War. It resulted in a Confederate victory and shattered the Union's hopes of a quick end to the conflict.

US Congress passes and President Lincoln signs the Confiscation Act of 1861, permitting court proceedings for the confiscation of property, including enslaved people, used to support the Confederacy.

The Battle of Wilson's Creek took place on August 10, 1861, and was a significant early engagement in the Western Theater of the Civil War. It demonstrated the fierce fighting that characterized the conflict.

The Battle of Hatteras Inlet Batteries occurred on August 28-29, 1861, leading to casualties for both the Union and Confederate sides.

The Battle of Antietam, also known as the Battle of Sharpsburg, was a crucial engagement during the American Civil War. It took place on September 17, 1862, and is considered the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with significant casualties on both sides.

Confederate forces under Sterling Price capture Lexington, Missouri during the American Civil War.

Colonel Edward D. Baker, a friend of President Lincoln, led Union troops in a failed attempt to cross the Potomac River, resulting in a significant Union defeat and the death of Colonel Baker.

President Lincoln appoints General George B. McClellan as General-in-Chief of all United States armies during the American Civil War.

On November 7, 1861, Captain Samuel F. Dupont's warships silenced Confederate guns in Fort Walker and Fort Beauregard, enabling General Thomas W. Sherman's troops to occupy Port Royal and the Sea Islands of South Carolina.

Admiral David Glasgow Farragut was a prominent figure during the American Civil War, known for his famous order 'Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!' during the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1862.

The Battle of Mill Springs occurred on January 19, 1862, resulting in 671 casualties, with 232 Union soldiers and 439 Confederate soldiers.

In 1862, the machine gun was invented by Richard Jordan Gatling, a dentist from North Carolina. This invention led to the development and spread of various types of machine guns worldwide, impacting warfare and even popular culture like video games.

The surrender of Fort Henry in Tennessee to Federal forces opened the door to Federal control of the Tennessee River during the American Civil War.

The Battle of Roanoke Island was an important Union victory during the American Civil War. It resulted in the capture of the island and control of the surrounding waters by the Union forces.

The Confederate defeat at the Battle of Roanoke Island resulted in US occupation of eastern North Carolina and control of Pamlico Sound during the American Civil War.

The Burning of Elizabeth City was a naval engagement during the American Civil War where the town of Elizabeth City in North Carolina was set on fire by Union forces.

A significant battle occurring on February 11, 1862, which led to a high number of casualties totaling 17,398, with 2,331 from the Union and 15,067 from the Confederate forces.

The Fort Donelson Battle occurred in Stewart County, TN on February 13, 1862. It ended with a Union Victory and an estimated 16,537 casualties, with 2,691 for the Union and 13,846 for the Confederacy.

The surrender of Fort Donelson in Tennessee to Federal forces left the Cumberland River in Federal control and led to General Ulysses S. Grant gaining his nickname 'Unconditional Surrender' Grant during the American Civil War.

Jefferson Davis is inaugurated as President of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War.

The Battle of Pea Ridge, occurring on March 7, 1862, was a crucial engagement in the Trans-Mississippi Theater of the Civil War. It solidified Union control in the region and had strategic significance.

The Battle of Hampton Roads, fought on March 8, 1862, was a historic naval clash between the ironclad warships USS Monitor and CSS Virginia. It revolutionized naval warfare and had a profound impact on future naval designs.

In the first battle of ironclad warships, the Merrimack clashes with the Union Monitor. This battle marks a significant advancement in naval warfare during the Civil War.

The First Battle of Kernstown took place on March 23, 1862. It resulted in a total of 1,308 casualties, with 590 Union soldiers and 718 Confederate soldiers. The battle involved soldiers with 13-inch mortars.

The Siege of Yorktown occurred on April 5, 1862. It led to 320 casualties.

The Battle of Shiloh, fought on April 6-7, 1862, was a major engagement in the Western Theater of the Civil War. It resulted in heavy casualties and highlighted the brutal nature of the conflict.

The Battle of Fort Pulaski took place on April 10-11, 1862, resulting in casualties of 23,741, with 13,047 Union soldiers and 10,694 Confederate soldiers. It was a significant battle during the American Civil War.

Admiral David Farragut's Federal fleet successfully passed Confederate forts at the mouth of the Mississippi River, leading to the surrender of New Orleans and securing control of the river for the United States.

The Capture of New Orleans occurred on April 25, 1862, with no reported casualties. It was a crucial event during the American Civil War, marking a significant victory for the Union forces.

Confederate General 'Stonewall' Jackson's victory at the First Battle of Winchester marked the culmination of his successful 1862 Valley Campaign, driving US forces from the city.

The Battle of Seven Pines took place on May 31, 1862, resulting in a high number of casualties with 5,739 Union and 7,997 Confederate soldiers.

In June 1862, Robert E. Lee resigned his commission in the Union Army and assumed command of Confederate forces, marking a significant shift in the American Civil War.

The Battle of Memphis occurred on June 6, 1862, leading to 181 casualties, with 1 Union soldier and 180 Confederate soldiers.

A series of battles in Tennessee during the American Civil War, ultimately leading to the Union Army's control of Chattanooga and the Confederate withdrawal.

A series of six major battles over seven days during the American Civil War, resulting in a Confederate victory and the withdrawal of the Union Army from Richmond.

The Battle of Gaines' Mill took place on June 27, 1862, during the American Civil War. It resulted in significant casualties for both the Union and Confederate forces.

The Battle of Glendale occurred on June 30, 1862, as part of the American Civil War. The casualties from this battle were undetermined.

The Battle of Malvern Hill occurred on July 1, 1862, during the American Civil War. It resulted in significant casualties for the involved parties.

President Lincoln approved the Confiscation Act of 1862, which expanded the terms of the previous act, allowing broader seizure of Confederate property, emancipation of enslaved people in Federally occupied territory, and prohibiting the return of fugitive slaves.

Confederate spy Belle Boyd is arrested by Union troops and detained at the Old Capitol Prison in Washington, D.C. during the American Civil War.

The Battle of Cedar Mountain took place on August 9, 1862, resulting in a total of 2,707 casualties, with 1,400 Union and 1,307 Confederate soldiers. It was a significant engagement during the American Civil War.

The Second Battle of Bull Run, also known as the Second Battle of Manassas, took place from August 28-30, 1862. It resulted in a total of 22,180 casualties, with 13,830 from the Union and 8,350 from the Confederate forces.

Belle Boyd is released from the Old Capitol Prison in Washington, D.C. after being detained by Union troops during the American Civil War.

The Battle of Second Bull Run, also known as Second Manassas, resulted in a US defeat on the same ground where the United States army was defeated a year before, sending them reeling in retreat to Washington.

The Battle of Chantilly occurred on September 1, 1862, resulting in 2,100 casualties, with 1,300 from the Union and 800 from the Confederate forces.

A Union surrender to the Confederate forces during the American Civil War, leading to the capture of a significant number of Union soldiers.

On September 14, 1862, the Battle of South Mountain took place.

The Battle of Antietam, also known as Sharpsburg, took place in Maryland and was the bloodiest single day of the Civil War. It resulted in the end of Confederate General Lee's first invasion of the North.

Following the US victory at Antietam, President Lincoln introduced the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, announcing his intention to declare all enslaved people free on January 1, 1863 if those places remained in rebellion at that time.

After the Union victory at Antietam, President Abraham Lincoln issued a preliminary Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862. This proclamation declared that all slaves in the rebellious states would be free as of January 1, 1863, marking a significant turning point in the Civil War and the fight for human freedom.

President Lincoln met with General McClellan in Antietam, Maryland on October 3, 1862.

On October 8, 1862, the Battle of Perryville happened.

Union General Ambrose Burnside marches north out of Washington, D.C. to initiate the Fredericksburg campaign during the American Civil War.

The Battle of Fredericksburg took place on December 13, 1862, resulting in casualties of 17,929, including 13,353 Union soldiers and 4,576 Confederate soldiers.

Jefferson Davis wrote an order declaring US General Benjamin Butler to be an outlaw for his treatment of the civilians of New Orleans. The proclamation also included a statement regarding Lincoln's upcoming Emancipation Proclamation and the treatment of black US soldiers and their white officers.

The Battle of Stones River in Tennessee, fought between the US Army of the Cumberland and the Confederate Army of Tennessee, resulted in a costly Federal victory that freed middle Tennessee from Confederate control and boosted Northern morale.

The Emancipation Proclamation, a war measure that declared enslaved people in rebelling states to be free and authorized the enlistment of black troops, went into effect. It was a crucial turning point in the United States' war and marked a shift towards building a better Union without slavery.

On January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln went into effect, officially declaring all slaves in the rebellious states to be free. Although it did not immediately free all slaves, it was a crucial step towards ending slavery and transforming the Civil War into a battle for human freedom.

The Battle of Arkansas Post took place from January 9-11, 1863. It resulted in casualties of 6,547, with 1,047 Union soldiers and 5,500 Confederate soldiers.

Union General Hooker crossed the Rappahannock River to attack General Lee's forces. Lee split his army, attacking a surprised Union army in three places and almost completely defeating them. Hooker withdrew across the Rappahannock River, giving the South a victory, but it was the Confederates' most costly victory in terms of casualties.

The Battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia resulted in US General Joseph Hooker's failed plan to flank Lee, leading to Union forces' retreat. The battle was marred by high casualties, including the mortal wounding of 'Stonewall' Jackson, who died on May 10. This event led to Lee's request to invade the North and take the war out of Virginia.

A major Confederate victory in Virginia during the American Civil War, but with the loss of General Stonewall Jackson, a significant blow to the Confederate forces.

The Battle of Raymond took place on May 12, 1863, resulting in 956 casualties, with 442 from the Union and 514 from the Confederate side.

The Siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi begins as US forces under General Ulysses S. Grant attack Confederate defenses, aiming to gain control of the Mississippi River.

Union General Grant won several victories around Vicksburg, Mississippi, the fortified city considered essential to the Union's plans to regain control of the Mississippi River. After six weeks, Confederate General John Pemberton surrendered, giving up the city and 30,000 men. The capture of Port Hudson, Louisiana, shortly thereafter placed the entire Mississippi River in Union hands. The Confederacy was split in two.

The Battle of Brandy Station in Virginia marks the beginning of the Gettysburg Campaign and the discovery of General Lee's movements, while the Siege of Vicksburg intensifies with constant bombardment.

Residents of the western counties of Virginia were admitted into the Union as the state of West Virginia on June 20, 1863, after not wishing to secede along with the rest of the state.

Confederate forces pass through York and reach the bridge over the Susquehanna River at Columbia. However, Federal militia set fire to the bridge, preventing access to the east shore. Confederate cavalry engages in skirmishes with Federal militia near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

The Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, commences and becomes the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, shattering Robert E. Lee's aspirations for a successful invasion of the North.

The week-long Draft Riot in New York City, triggered by the passage of America's first federal Conscription Act, saw more than 15,000 angry men, mainly Irish immigrants, causing widespread destruction and targeting the rich, powerful, and black population.

Vicksburg, Mississippi, surrenders to the US Army under Grant, granting the United States complete control of the Mississippi River, a crucial supply line for the Confederate states in the west. Meanwhile, at Gettysburg, Lee begins his retreat to Virginia.

On July 5, 1863, Confederate bodies were prepared for burial after the Battle of Gettysburg.

US naval and land forces launch an assault on Confederate defenses near Charleston, South Carolina. The 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry, the first African American regiment of volunteers to engage in combat in the Civil War, is among the United States troops.

An important battle that occurred on July 11, 1863, during the American Civil War, resulting in casualties on both Union and Confederate sides.

Disgruntled workers and laborers initiate draft riots in New York City and other locations, expressing discontent with the draft system that appears to favor the wealthy. The riots persist until July 16, involving attacks on the draft office and African American churches.

A significant battle that took place on July 18, 1863, during the American Civil War, leading to a considerable number of casualties.

In response to the Confederate refusal to treat black soldiers equally, General Order 252 is issued by Lincoln, declaring a suspension of the prisoner exchange system.

Confederate and Missouri guerillas, led by William Clarke Quantrill, raid Lawrence, Kansas, resulting in the destruction of most of the town and the murder of approximately 150 men and boys.

The US Army of the Cumberland, led by General William Rosecrans, is defeated by the Confederate Army of Tennessee under General Braxton Bragg at the Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia.

A ceremony was held in Concord to dedicate a monument honoring the soldiers who fought in the Civil War, paying tribute to their bravery and sacrifice.

The Confederate vessel David, a partially submerged, steam powered vessel, attacked the New Ironsides outside of Charleston Harbor with a torpedo. Both ships survived the attack, but the commander of the David and one of his crew were captured.

President Lincoln dedicated a portion of the Gettysburg battlefield as a national cemetery and delivered his memorable 'Gettysburg Address,' which emphasized the principles of equality and democracy.

US forces break the Confederate siege of Chattanooga in successive attacks, including the storming of Lookout Mountain on November 24 and the Battle of Missionary Ridge the following day. The decisive Federal victory sends the Confederate Army south into Georgia.

US General Meade's Army of the Potomac marches against Confederate General Lee's Army of Northern Virginia south of the Rapidan River, east of Orange Court House during the Mine Run Campaign. After several days of probing the defenses, Meade withdraws north of the Rapidan and goes into winter quarters.

Confederate troops under General James Longstreet lay siege to the city of Knoxville held by Federal forces under General Ambrose Burnside. Longstreet's attack on November 30 is repulsed with heavy losses, and he is forced to withdraw to Greeneville, Tennessee.

President Lincoln issues a proclamation offering pardon to those who participated in the rebellion if they take an oath to the United States, as part of the reconstruction efforts after the Civil War.

The H. L. Hunley was a submarine of the Confederate States of America that played a part in the American Civil War. It was the first submarine to successfully sink an enemy warship.

Sherman's Atlanta Campaign was a crucial military operation during the American Civil War, led by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman. It resulted in the capture of Atlanta and played a significant role in securing Lincoln's re-election.

109 United States officers successfully escape from the notorious Libby Prison in Richmond after weeks of digging, marking the largest and most sensational escape of the war.

Federal forces led by William T. Sherman capture the city of Meridian, Mississippi, severely impacting the Confederate commanders' ability to sustain their armies in the Deep South.

The CSS H.L. Hunley, a seven-man submergible craft, successfully attacked the USS Housatonic outside of Charleston, South Carolina, marking the first successful submarine attack of the Civil War.

Camp Sumter Prison Camp, commonly known as Andersonville Prison Camp, opens in Georgia and becomes notorious for its overcrowded conditions and high death rate among its inmates.

Ulysses S. Grant is appointed lieutenant general and assumes command of all United States Armies in the field, following a request from President Lincoln.

The Battle of Sabine Crossroads, also known as the Battle of Mansfield, is the first major battle of the Red River Campaign in Louisiana.

The United States Army, led by Banks, defeated the Confederate forces under General Richard Taylor in Louisiana, but the campaign ended with Confederates still in control of most of the state.

Confederate cavalry under Nathan Bedford Forrest attacked and overwhelmed the Federal garrison at Fort Pillow, resulting in the murder of nearly 300 United States soldiers, most of whom were African American. The events at Fort Pillow cast a pall over Forrest's reputation and remained an emotional issue throughout the remainder of the war and after.

General Grant forbade prisoner exchange talks to progress unless Confederate authorities agreed to treat black soldiers the same as white and release enough US soldiers to make up for the large number of Confederates paroled at Vicksburg and Port Hudson.

The Battle of the Wilderness took place from May 5-7, 1864, resulting in a total of 29,800 casualties, with 18,400 Union and 11,400 Confederate soldiers. It was a significant engagement during the American Civil War.

General William T. Sherman leads three US Armies into Georgia against the Confederate Army of Tennessee under General Joseph Johnston, with the objective being the city of Atlanta.

The Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse occurred from May 8-21, 1864, and was another crucial event in the American Civil War. It had a significant impact on the outcome of the war.

During the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in the American Civil War, an unidentified Confederate sniper shot Major General John Sedgwick from a distance of at least 730 meters, causing delays in the Union's attack and leading to a Confederate victory.

Confederate cavalry under General J.E.B. Stuart blocks Federal cavalry under General Philip Sheridan, resulting in the mortal wounding of General Stuart.

The Battle of Resaca took place on May 13, 1864, resulting in casualties of 5,547, with 2,747 Union soldiers and 2,800 Confederate soldiers.

General Sherman's armies are blocked at Resaca by General Johnston's Army of Tennessee, leading to intense fighting and Johnston's eventual withdrawal.

The Battle of New Market occurred on May 15, 1864, leading to casualties of 1,380, including 840 Union soldiers and 540 Confederate soldiers.

The Battle of Cold Harbor took place from May 31 to June 12, 1864. It resulted in a high number of casualties, with 13,000 Union soldiers and 2,500 Confederate soldiers being killed or wounded.

Relentless and bloody US attacks fail to dislodge Lee's army from its strong defensive works northeast of Richmond in Virginia.

Abraham Lincoln is nominated for a second term as president.

Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest attacks and routs the Federal command under General Samuel Sturgis, despite being outnumbered almost two to one.

After withdrawing from the lines at Cold Harbor, the Army of the Potomac crossed the James River and with troops from the Army of the James attacked the outer defenses of Petersburg, the primary junction for several southern railroads. Grant accepts that only a siege can systematically isolate the city and cut off Confederate supplies to the capital of Richmond.

The USS Kearsarge sinks the Confederate raider CSS Alabama near Cherbourg, France.

In an attempt to draw Federal troops away from the ongoing siege of Petersburg and Richmond, a Confederate force under Jubal Early quietly moved north into Maryland. Early had made excellent progress until he reached Frederick, Maryland, where a force of 6,000 Federal troops under General Lew Wallace, was arrayed to delay his advance. Though the battle was a US defeat, it was also touted as 'the battle that saved Washington' for it succeeded in holding back Early's march until troops could be sent to the capital's defense.

Jubal Early's troops arrive on the outskirts of Washington, DC, and engage in cannon fire with a small Federal force. President Lincoln observes the skirmish from Fort Stevens as reinforcements from the Army of the Potomac arrive and Early withdraws that evening.

Confederate forces led by General Jubal Early launch an invasion of Washington, D.C. starting with the Battle of Fort Stevens.

The US defeat of Nathan Bedford Forrest secures the supply lines to Sherman's armies operating against Atlanta, Georgia.

General John Bell Hood replaces General Joseph Johnston as commander of the Army of Tennessee, signaling a new Confederate strategy to thwart Sherman's campaign, which ultimately leads to disastrous results for the Confederate cause.

General Hood's army attacks the approaching Federal troops under George Thomas, but after fierce fighting, Hood withdraws back to his own defensive works.

Hood's second effort to repel Federal forces under Sherman results in heavy casualties with no positive outcome. General James McPherson, commander of the US Army of the Tennessee, is killed during the fighting.

The Battle of Atlanta occurred on July 22, 1864, and led to significant casualties, with 3,641 Union soldiers and 8,499 Confederate soldiers being killed or wounded.

The Second Battle of Kernstown took place on July 24, 1864, resulting in casualties of 1,800, with 1,200 Union and 600 Confederate soldiers.

The Battle of the Crater occurred on July 30, 1864, leading to casualties of 5,300.

The Battle of Mobile Bay, which occurred on August 5, 1864, resulted in casualties of 1,822, with 322 Union and 1,500 Confederate soldiers.

The Battle of Globe Tavern took place from August 18 to 21, 1864. It resulted in casualties of 5,879, with 4,279 from the Union and 1,600 from the Confederate forces.

A surprise Confederate counterattack briefly stopped Federal destruction of the Weldon Railroad near Ream's Station, though failed to release the Federal grip on this important supply line into Petersburg, Virginia.

The Battle of Jonesborough occurred from August 31 to September 1, 1864. It led to casualties of 3,149, with 1,149 from the Union and 2,000 from the Confederate side.

Confederate troops under General Hood evacuate the city of Atlanta. General Sherman's army occupies the city and its defenses the following day.

General William T. Sherman captures Atlanta, Georgia, and adopts a strategy of 'total war' on his march through Georgia and the Carolinas, significantly weakening support for the war.

US forces under General Philip Sheridan attacked the Confederate army under Jubal Early near the city of Winchester, Virginia and drove them southward, up the Shenandoah Valley.

The US Army of the Shenandoah, led by General Philip Sheridan, defeated Jubal Early's Confederates near Fisher's Hill, Virginia, forcing them to flee the battlefield. This battle is considered the final one in the Shenandoah Valley.

The Confederate stronghold known as Fort Harrison fell to the Army of the James in a sweeping assault near Richmond, Virginia. Efforts by the Confederates to retake the fort were unsuccessful.

Jubal Early's Confederates successfully attacked and drove troops of the Army of the Shenandoah from their camps on the banks of Cedar Creek south of Middletown, Virginia. General Philip Sheridan rallied dispirited troops and put Early's forces to flight by day's end, marking the end of the struggle for control of the Shenandoah Valley.

On November 1, 1864, Maryland Emancipation takes place, marking an important milestone in the abolition of slavery in the United States.

Abraham Lincoln was reelected as the president of the United States.

A significant engagement during the American Civil War, the Battle of Spring Hill took place in Tennessee between Union and Confederate forces.

John Bell Hood's army confronts US troops from General John Schofield's command in a massive frontal assault, resulting in heavy losses for Hood's forces and the retreat of US troops towards Nashville.

Sherman's Army of Georgia completes the famous March to the Sea, arriving at Savannah, where they take Fort McAllister and force Confederate defenders to evacuate the city.

The Confederate Army under John Bell Hood is thoroughly defeated, ending the threat to Tennessee.

The Second Battle of Fort Fisher occurred from January 13-15, 1865, and led to approximately 2,000 casualties.

The United States captures Fort Fisher, closing access to Wilmington, the last Southern seaport on the east coast open to blockade runners and commercial shipping.

Sherman's Army leaves Savannah to march through the Carolinas.

Sherman's Army captures Columbia, South Carolina, while Confederate defenders evacuate Charleston, South Carolina.

On February 22, 1865, Wilmington, NC, fell to Federal troops, marking the closure of the last important Southern port on the east coast.

On March 4, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated for his second term as president in Washington, DC.

On March 16, 1865, the Battle of Averasborough took place in North Carolina, where Sherman's army was stalled in its drive northward from Fayetteville.

The Battle of Bentonville, which occurred from March 19-21, 1865, was a significant engagement towards the end of the American Civil War.

On March 25, 1865, there was an attack on Fort Stedman in Petersburg, Virginia, which was touted as 'Lee's last offensive.'

On April 1, 1865, the Battle of Five Forks took place in Virginia, initiating General Lee's decision to abandon the Petersburg-Richmond siege lines.

Abraham Lincoln is fatally shot approximately six weeks after his second inauguration, leading to Vice-President Andrew Johnson assuming the presidency.

On April 2, 1865, General Lee abandoned both Petersburg and Richmond, moving his army west in hopes of joining Confederate forces under General Johnston in North Carolina.

On April 3, 1865, US troops occupied Richmond and Petersburg, Virginia.

The Battle of Sailor's Creek occurred on April 6, 1865, leading to casualties of 3,780, including 830 Union and 2,950 Confederate soldiers.

Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, effectively ending the American Civil War.

The American Civil War comes to an end, signifying a crucial moment in American history and the resolution of the conflict between the Union and the Confederacy.

President Abraham Lincoln is assassinated by actor John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theater in Washington, DC. On the same day, Fort Sumter, South Carolina is re-occupied by US troops.

Vice President Andrew Johnson is sworn in as the 17th President of the United States.

General Joseph E. Johnston surrendered his Confederate forces to Union General William T. Sherman at Bennett Place near Durham, North Carolina.

After the end of the Civil War, the Confederate Army began the process of disbanding and mustering out its soldiers, marking the formal conclusion of the conflict.

General Richard Taylor surrenders Confederate forces in the Department of Alabama, Mississippi and East Louisiana.

Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured near Irwinville, Georgia.

The final battle of the Civil War takes place at Palmito Ranch, Texas, and it is a Confederate victory.

The Grand Review of the Army of the Potomac takes place in Washington, DC.

The Grand Review of General Sherman's Army took place in Washington, DC, showcasing the Union Army's achievements and military prowess after the Civil War.

General Simon Bolivar Buckner agreed to the terms of surrender for the Army of the Trans-Mississippi, marking the official end of the Civil War after the surrender of the last large Confederate army on June 2, 1865.

The final surrender of Confederate troops on the western periphery came in Galveston, Texas, on June 2, 1865, signifying the end of significant military resistance in the American Civil War.

The Confederate ship, CSS Shenandoah, docked in Liverpool and surrendered to the Royal Navy, marking the final surrender of a Confederate vessel on November 6, 1865.

The Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is ratified in December, effectively abolishing slavery throughout the United States.

Georgia becomes the 27th state to ratify the 13th Amendment, officially abolishing slavery in the United States.

The Reconstruction Acts of 1866 were a series of legislation passed by the U.S. Congress aimed at reorganizing the Southern states after the Civil War and promoting civil rights for newly freed slaves.

The year 1867 saw continued efforts towards reconstruction and the beginning of the process that eventually led to the readmission of Southern states into the Union.

Texas is readmitted to the Union after completing its reconstruction process post-Civil War.

Alice Garvey, widow of John Garvey who fought for the Union Army in the Civil War, applied for his pension on 18 July 1895.

In 2005, R. Lee Hadden's article 'Confederate Boys and Peter Monkeys' was published in Armchair General, based on a talk given to the Geological Society of America in 2004.