Civil War Dates
Explore the timeline of the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865
Civil War Overview
The American Civil War was a major conflict fought in the United States from 1861 to 1865. It was fought between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy) that had seceded from the United States.
The war began primarily because of disagreements over slavery, states' rights, and the power of the federal government. The Southern states wanted to preserve slavery and their agricultural way of life, while the Northern states wanted to stop the spread of slavery into new territories.
Did You Know?
The Civil War was the deadliest war in American history, with approximately 620,000 soldiers killed—more than all other American wars combined up to that point.
Timeline of Events
The Civil War lasted four years, from 1861 to 1865. Understanding the timeline helps us see how the war progressed and how different events connected to each other.
War Begins
April 12: Confederate forces attack Fort Sumter, South Carolina, marking the start of the Civil War
Major Battles
Key battles include Shiloh, Antietam, and Fredericksburg. The war expands across multiple fronts.
Turning Point
July: Union victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg mark a turning point in the war.
War Ends
April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, effectively ending the war.
Major Battles
Several key battles determined the outcome of the Civil War. These battles had significant impacts on military strategy, morale, and the eventual result of the conflict.
Fort Sumter
April 12-13, 1861: The first battle of the Civil War in Charleston, South Carolina
Gettysburg
July 1-3, 1863: The bloodiest battle of the war and a major Union victory in Pennsylvania
Vicksburg
May 18-July 4, 1863: Union victory that gave them control of the Mississippi River
Appomattox
April 9, 1865: Where General Lee surrendered to General Grant, ending the war
Key Dates
Beyond the major battles, several important dates and events shaped the course and outcome of the Civil War. These include political decisions, speeches, and other significant moments.
- November 6, 1860: Abraham Lincoln elected President
- January 1, 1863: Emancipation Proclamation takes effect
- November 19, 1863: Lincoln delivers Gettysburg Address
- November 8, 1864: Lincoln re-elected President
- April 14, 1865: Lincoln assassinated at Ford's Theatre
- December 6, 1865: 13th Amendment ratified, abolishing slavery
These dates show that the Civil War wasn't just about battles—it was also about political decisions, presidential leadership, and the fight to end slavery in America.
Civil War Quiz
Test your knowledge about Civil War dates! Answer all 5 questions to see how much you've learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about Civil War dates:
Civil War Trivia
Discover interesting facts about the Civil War!
Young Soldiers
The average Union soldier was 25.8 years old, but there were many younger soldiers—some as young as 9 served as drummers or messengers.
First and Last
The first soldier killed in the Civil War was Private Daniel Hough at Fort Sumter. The last was Private John J. Williams at the Battle of Palmito Ranch.
Animal Casualties
Approximately 1.5 million horses and mules were killed during the Civil War. They were essential for transportation, cavalry, and pulling artillery.
Gettysburg Address
Abraham Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address was only 272 words long and took about two minutes to deliver, yet it became one of the most important speeches in American history.
