Civil War in the United States Timeline

The Battle of Antietam, also known as the Battle of Sharpsburg, was fought on September 17, 1862, during the American Civil War. It was the first major battle fought on Northern soil and was one of the bloodiest battles of the war. The Union Army, led by General George McClellan, faced off against the Confederate Army, commanded by General Robert E. Lee. The battle ended in a tactical draw, but it was a strategic victory for the Union as it halted Lee's invasion of the North and provided a much-needed boost to Union morale.

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The Battle of Shepherdstown, also known as the Battle of Boteler's Ford, was fought on September 19 and 20, 1862, in Jefferson County, Virginia (now West Virginia), during the Maryland Campaign of the American Civil War. It was the final battle of the campaign, and resulted in a tactical Confederate victory. The battle was mainly skirmishing and artillery fire, with little infantry involvement. Despite the Confederate victory, the battle did not affect the strategic outcome of the Maryland Campaign.

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The Battle of Fredericksburg was fought from December 11 to December 15, 1862, in and around Fredericksburg, Virginia, during the American Civil War. The Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by General Robert E. Lee, successfully defended the town against the Union Army of the Potomac, commanded by Major General Ambrose E. Burnside. The battle resulted in a decisive Confederate victory.

Image source: Battle of Fredericksburg

The Battle of Chancellorsville was a major battle during the American Civil War. It took place from April 30 to May 6, 1863, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. The battle was fought between the Army of the Potomac, commanded by General Joseph Hooker, and the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by General Robert E. Lee. Despite having superior numbers, Hooker's attack was repulsed by Lee, who executed a daring flanking maneuver that forced the Union army to retreat. The battle is notable for the death of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson, who was accidentally shot by his own men and died several days later. The Confederate victory at Chancellorsville boosted their morale and confidence, but it came at a high cost with heavy casualties on both sides.

Image source: Battle of Chancellorsville

The Battle of Raymond was fought on May 12, 1863, during the Vicksburg Campaign of the American Civil War. It was part of a series of engagements that took place in western Mississippi, where Union forces under General Ulysses S. Grant were trying to capture the city of Vicksburg. The battle resulted in a Union victory and played a significant role in Grant's successful campaign to take control of the Mississippi River.

Image source: Battle of Raymond

The Battle of Champion Hill, also known as the Battle of Bakers Creek, was fought on May 16, 1863, during the Vicksburg Campaign of the American Civil War. The Union Army, commanded by Major General Ulysses S. Grant, sought to capture the Confederate stronghold of Vicksburg, Mississippi. The Confederate Army, commanded by Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton, tried to prevent the Union forces from reaching Vicksburg. The battle ended with a Union victory, and it marked a turning point in the Vicksburg Campaign.

The siege of Vicksburg took place from May 18, 1863, to July 4, 1863, during the American Civil War. The Union Army, under the command of General Ulysses S. Grant, laid siege to the Confederate stronghold of Vicksburg, Mississippi. The siege lasted for 47 days, and the Confederate forces eventually surrendered on July 4, 1863. This victory for the Union was a turning point in the war, as it gave them control of the Mississippi River and split the Confederacy in half.

Image source: Siege of Vicksburg

The Battle of Gettysburg was fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Considered one of the most important engagements of the American Civil War, it was the largest battle ever fought in North America. The Union Army, commanded by General George G. Meade, defeated General Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army, effectively ending Lee's second invasion of the North. The battle resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, with over 50,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing.

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The Battle of Gettysburg ends on July 3, 1863. It was a major turning point in the Civil War, with the Union Army of the Potomac successfully defending against the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. The battle resulted in high casualties on both sides, but it marked a significant victory for the Union and boosted their morale. The Confederate Army was forced to retreat, and this defeat was a major setback for their efforts to invade the North.

The Battle of Fort Wagner took place from July 11, 1863, to September 7, 1863, during the American Civil War. It was fought on Morris Island in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, between the Union Army and the Confederate Army. The Union Army attempted to capture Fort Wagner, a key fortification guarding the entrance to Charleston Harbor. The Confederate Army, under the command of General P.G.T. Beauregard, defended the fort and launched several counterattacks. The battle resulted in heavy casualties for both sides, with the Union Army suffering particularly high losses. Despite their efforts, the Union forces were unable to capture Fort Wagner, and the fort remained under Confederate control until September 7, 1863.

Image source: Second Battle of Fort Wagner

The Battle of Chickamauga was fought between the Union Army of the Cumberland and the Confederate Army of Tennessee on September 19-20, 1863, during the American Civil War. It was one of the bloodiest battles of the war and marked a significant Confederate victory. The battle took place in northwestern Georgia, near the town of Chickamauga, and was part of the larger Chickamauga Campaign. The Confederate forces, led by General Braxton Bragg, successfully defeated the Union forces, commanded by General William Rosecrans, and forced them to retreat to Chattanooga. The battle resulted in high casualties for both sides, with over 34,000 total casualties. Despite the Confederate victory, they were unable to fully capitalize on their success and capture Chattanooga, which remained a strategic stronghold for the Union. The Battle of Chickamauga is considered a turning point in the Civil War as it allowed the Confederates to regain control of Chattanooga and set the stage for the subsequent battles in the Chattanooga Campaign.

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The Battle of Chickamauga ends on September 20, 1863. It was one of the largest and bloodiest battles of the American Civil War, fought between the Confederate Army of Tennessee commanded by General Braxton Bragg and the Union Army of the Cumberland commanded by General William Rosecrans. The battle resulted in a Confederate victory and forced the Union army to retreat back to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The Battle of Olustee was fought on February 20, 1864, in Florida during the American Civil War. It was the largest battle fought in Florida during the war, and resulted in a Confederate victory.

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The Battle of Fort Pillow took place on April 12, 1864, during the American Civil War. It was a Confederate victory in which Confederate soldiers under the command of General Nathan Bedford Forrest attacked Union troops garrisoned at Fort Pillow, a fortification on the Mississippi River in Henning, Tennessee. The Union troops, consisting mainly of African-American soldiers, were heavily outnumbered and poorly equipped. During the battle, the Confederate forces overran the fort and killed many of the Union soldiers, including a large number of African-Americans. The battle gained notoriety due to the high number of casualties and the brutal treatment of Union prisoners and African-American soldiers by Confederate troops.

The Battle of Fort Pillow ends on April 12, 1864. It was a battle fought between the Confederate Army and Union forces during the American Civil War. The battle took place at Fort Pillow in Tennessee and resulted in a Confederate victory. The Confederate forces, led by General Nathan Bedford Forrest, attacked the fort and overwhelmed the Union garrison. The battle is particularly notable for the high number of casualties among the Union forces, as well as allegations of war crimes committed against African American soldiers by the Confederate troops.

Image source: Battle of Fort Pillow

The Atlanta Campaign was a series of military battles fought in the Western Theater of the American Civil War. It began on May 7, 1864, and lasted until September 2, 1864. The campaign was led by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman against Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston and eventually resulted in the capture of Atlanta by Union forces.

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The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House was a significant battle that took place during the American Civil War. It lasted from May 8 to May 21, 1864. The battle was fought in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, between the Union Army of the Potomac, commanded by Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant, and the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by General Robert E. Lee. The battle resulted in heavy casualties on both sides and ended inconclusively, with neither army gaining a decisive victory.

The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House was a significant battle that took place during the American Civil War. It was fought from May 8 to May 21, 1864, as part of Union General Ulysses S. Grant's Overland Campaign against Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. The battle resulted in heavy casualties on both sides and is known for its intense and prolonged fighting, particularly in the area known as the Bloody Angle. After two weeks of intense combat, the battle ended inconclusively, with both sides suffering heavy losses but no significant territorial gains. Despite the lack of a clear victory, the battle marked a turning point in the war, as Grant continued to press forward and kept Lee on the defensive.

Image source: Battle of Spotsylvania Court House

The Battle of Cold Harbor was a series of battles and skirmishes fought in Virginia during the American Civil War. It took place from May 31 to June 12, 1864. The Union Army, led by General Ulysses S. Grant, launched multiple attacks on Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia in an attempt to seize control of the vital crossroads at Cold Harbor. However, the Confederate forces were able to hold their positions and repel the Union assaults, resulting in heavy casualties for both sides. The Battle of Cold Harbor is often remembered as one of the bloodiest and most pointless battles of the Civil War.

The Battle of Cold Harbor ends on June 12, 1864. It was fought during the American Civil War near Mechanicsville, Virginia. It was one of the final battles in the Overland Campaign and resulted in a Confederate victory. The battle is known for its high casualties and the failed Union assault on Confederate trenches.

Image source: Battle of Cold Harbor

The Battle of Petersburg was a series of battles fought in and around Petersburg, Virginia, from June 15, 1864, to April 2, 1865, during the American Civil War. The Union Army, led by General Ulysses S. Grant, sought to capture Petersburg, a key supply center for the Confederate Army. The Confederate Army, led by General Robert E. Lee, defended Petersburg in a series of trench warfare battles. The Battle of Petersburg resulted in a Union victory and marked a turning point in the war as it weakened the Confederate Army's defenses and set the stage for its eventual surrender.

Image source: Siege of Petersburg

The Atlanta Campaign was a series of battles fought in the Western Theater of the American Civil War, culminating in the Union capture of Atlanta, Georgia. It lasted from May 1 to September 2, 1864.

Sherman's March to the Sea was a military campaign led by General William Tecumseh Sherman during the American Civil War. It took place from November 15 to December 21, 1864, and involved Sherman's Union Army forces marching from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia, with the goal of devastating the Confederate's ability to wage war and to break the will of the Southern population.

The Battle of Nashville was a two-day battle in the American Civil War that took place on December 15–16, 1864, in Nashville, Tennessee. It was the final major battle of the war in the Western Theater, and effectively ended Confederate efforts to regain control of the region.

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The Battle of Nashville ends on December 16, 1864. It was the last major battle of the American Civil War, fought between the Confederate Army of Tennessee and the Union Army of the Cumberland. The Union forces, under the command of Major General George H. Thomas, decisively defeated the Confederates, effectively ending their threat in the Western Theater.

Sherman's March to the Sea was a military campaign led by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman in the American Civil War from November 15 to December 21, 1864. The campaign began with Sherman's troops leaving Atlanta and marching across Georgia to reach the port city of Savannah. Along the way, they destroyed railroads, industries, and infrastructure to deprive the Confederacy of resources. The march ended when Sherman's troops reached Savannah and captured the city. The campaign was notable for its scorched earth tactics and the psychological impact it had on the Confederate states.

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The Battle of Bentonville was fought from March 19 to March 21, 1865, in Bentonville, North Carolina, during the American Civil War. It was the last major battle between the Union Army of the West, commanded by Major General William T. Sherman, and the Confederate Army of Tennessee, commanded by General Joseph E. Johnston. The battle resulted in a Union victory and marked the near end of the Civil War.

The Battle of Bentonville ends on March 21, 1865. It was the last major Confederate offensive of the American Civil War. Union forces, under the command of Major General William T. Sherman, successfully repelled the Confederate attack led by General Joseph E. Johnston. The battle resulted in a Union victory and marked a turning point in the Civil War, leading to the eventual surrender of the Confederacy.

Image source: Battle of Bentonville

The Battle of Five Forks was fought on April 1, 1865, during the American Civil War. It was a Union victory and marked the beginning of the end for the Confederate Army. General Ulysses S. Grant led the Union forces, while General Robert E. Lee commanded the Confederate troops. The battle took place in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, and resulted in a decisive victory for the Union. The Confederate defeat at Five Forks weakened their hold on Petersburg and ultimately led to the fall of Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy.

The Battle of Five Forks ends on April 1, 1865. It was the final major battle of the American Civil War and resulted in a decisive victory for the Union army. The battle took place in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, and was fought between Union General Philip Sheridan and Confederate General George Pickett. Sheridan's forces successfully broke through the Confederate lines, forcing Pickett to withdraw. The Union victory at Five Forks played a crucial role in the eventual capture of Confederate capital Richmond and the surrender of General Robert E. Lee's army.

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The Battle of Petersburg was a series of battles fought between the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by General Robert E. Lee, and the Union Army of the Potomac, commanded by General Ulysses S. Grant. The battle took place from June 9, 1864, to April 2, 1865, during the American Civil War. The siege of Petersburg resulted in the eventual Union victory and the collapse of Confederate defenses. On April 2, 1865, the Confederate forces evacuated Petersburg, leading to the fall of Richmond and the end of the Civil War.

The Battle of Appomattox Station was fought on April 8, 1865, during the final days of the American Civil War. It was part of the Appomattox Campaign, which ultimately led to the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee and the end of the war. In this battle, Union forces under General George Custer clashed with Confederate forces under General Custis Lee. The Union forces were able to overpower the Confederates, leading to the capture of several Confederate soldiers and the destruction of a significant amount of Confederate supplies. This battle was one of the last engagements of the war and played a crucial role in the eventual surrender of the Confederacy.

The Battle of Appomattox Station ends on April 8, 1865. It was one of the final battles of the American Civil War. Confederate forces, led by General Robert E. Lee, were surrounded and outnumbered by Union forces. After a day of fierce fighting, the Confederates were forced to retreat. This defeat marked a significant turning point in the war, as it effectively ended Confederate resistance and led to the eventual surrender of General Lee's Army of Northern Virginia.

Image source: Battle of Appomattox Court House

The Battle of Palmito Ranch was fought on May 12-13, 1865, in Texas, near the present-day town of Brownsville. It was the final battle of the American Civil War, occurring more than a month after General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House. The Confederate victory at Palmito Ranch was largely inconsequential in terms of its impact on the outcome of the war, but it marked the last engagement between Union and Confederate forces.

Image source: Battle of Palmito Ranch