Timeline 1861
Date
Event
Causalities
Summary
April 14
Fort Sumter
0
The Confederate States wanted to force the US Army to leave Fort Sumter. There was forty hours of continuous shelling before the fort fell to the South. By this time one-fifth of the fort was on fire. The Southern commander, General Pierre G. T. Beauregard, gave permission for all the Union troops to leave safely and the Southern troops took over the fort.
April 15
President Lincoln Calls for Army Volunteers
President Lincoln asked for only three months' service from each volunteer.
April 19
Blockade
Lincoln proclaimed a blockade of the South.
May 21
Confederate Capitol
Richmond, Virginia was chosen for the Confederate Capital.
July 21
First Battle of Bull Run
2,900
This was the first great battle of the Civil War. The battle was fought at Manassas Junction near Bull Run Creek, only 30 miles south of Washington, D. C. Many Congressmen and their wives watched from behind the battle lines. The Union guns shot first attacking General Beauregard's troops. Confederate reinforcements arrived by train wearing blue uniforms. After confusion set in, the North was defeated and retreated to the capital. President Lincoln asked for more volunteers.
Key:
No Victory or NA [no color]
Confederate Victory [gray]
Union Victory [blue]