Start : Fort Sumter
On April 12, 1861 the Confederates open fire on Fort Sumter. This marks the official start of the Civil War. This attack was at Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. A witness stataed, "every soldier in the harbor to his feet, and every man, woman, and child out of their beds." The Confederacy victory had lit a fire in the Union's heart.
Bull Run
The first official battle of the Civil War was the first battle of Bull Run. The Confederacy was victorious This battle is also known as the first Battle of Manassas. This victory quickly changed the North's perspective on how difficult to win this war would be. General Pierre G. T. was the leader of the Confederate troops, and General Irvin Mcdowell was the Union army leader.
Battle of shiloh
The Battle of Shiloh, also known as the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, was fought in 1862. This battle on, April 6th, was fought in southwestern Tennessee. The Union leader Ulysses S. Grant fought near Tennessee River against the Confederate generals Albert Sidney Johnston and P. G. T. Beauregard. The Confederacy fought successfully the first day, but were ultimately defeated the second day.
2nd Battle of bull run
The Second Battle of Bull Run/Manassas was fought August 28-30, 1862. The Confederate general, Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, captured a Union supply depot which threatened, Union's general, John Pope's communication with Washington D.C. The Confederates pulled through with success over the 2 day battle.
Battle of antietam
The Battle of Antietam, also known as Battle of Sharpsburg, was fought on September 17, 1862. This battle was the first major battle fought on Union soil. It was the bloodiest single day battle of the Civil War with 22,717 casualties. Confederate general Robert E. Lee was attacked by General George B. McClellan in defensive positions behind Antietam Creek.
Siege of vicksburg
During the Siege of Vicksburg, Ulysses S. Grant, a Union general, crossed the Mississippi River and decided to besiege the city on May 25th. With supplies gone and after holding out for more than 40 days, they finally surrendered on July 4th.
Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg was fought in Pennsylvania. This battle fought from July 1-3, 1863 was the battle with the largest number of casualties. The Union general George Gordon Meade defeated attacks from Robert E. Lee. This battle also took place in Adams Country Pennsylvania, and was a massive Union victory.
Appomattox courthouse
At Appomattox Courthouse, not an actual courthouse, Confederate general Robert E. Lee surrendered to the Union general Ulysses S. Grant. Grant let his men keep their horses, promised they would be fed, and let Lee keep his sword under unconditional surrender. Lee surrendered under the conditions that his men were suffering. The signing of surrender took place on April 9th in Wilmer McLean's house.