Local Civil War History

Written by Lyndsey Morgan

The 1860's were a major turning point in United States history. Abraham Lincoln beat Stephen Douglas for President of United States, which further angered the South (Confederates). Westward expansion caused more tension as the slave and non-slave states debated over the new territories and whether slavery should be allowed. The abolitionist movement caused an even bigger uproar, because it threatened the Southern way of life; the South relied heavy on slave labor to fuel the cotton industry. Differences in economic, social, and ideological views, the increased isolation of the South, the breakdown of the political party system, and strongly opposing political viewpoints fueled the Civil War and its series of battles.

1861

Fort Sumter – On April 12, 1861, in Charleston Harbor South Carolina the first battle of the Civil War took place. The Confederate army took over the Fort Sumter major base for nearly the entire Civil War. There were no deaths on either side resulting from this conflict.

1st Battle of Bull Run or 1st Manassas – The largest and bloodiest battle to date took place on July 21, 1861 in Prince William County, Virginia. The following day, President Lincoln signed a bill to enlist 500,000 men for up to three years of service.

1862

Battle of Fort Henry – This Civil War battle only lasted seventy five minutes on February 6, 1862 in Tennessee. Ulysses S. Grant and his fleet took over the fort and gain control of the Tennessee River.

Battle of Shiloh – This battle was fought on April 6th and 7^th of 1862 in Hardin County, Tennessee. The battle resulted in more than 23,500 men killed or missing. The Union was able to secure their position on the Western Front which gave them an advantage over the Confederacy.

Battle of New Orleans – Between April 25 and May 4, 1862, New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana hosted this Civil War in which the Union forces capture and take over the area.

2nd Battle of Bull Run or 2nd Manassas – Taking place in Prince William County, Virginia August 28-30, 1862, this battle brought the Confederacy to the top of their power.

Battle of Antietam – On September 17, 1862 in Sharpsburg, Maryland, this battle led to the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln.

1863

Battle of Chancellorsville – From April 30 to May 6, 1863 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, the Battle of Chancellorsville is one of General Lee's greatest victories. He defeated Major General Joseph Hooker's Army of Potomac. “Stonewall” Jackson was mortally wounded during this battle.

Battle of Gettysburg – In Adams County, Pennsylvania on July 1-3, 1863 the Union and Confederate armies fought the historic Battle of Gettysburg, the second invasion into northern territory. General Lee lost to General George Meade. This was a turning point in the war; Meade lost over 70% of his men, but nearly 4,000 Confederate soldiers were captured.

Battle of Vicksburg- Fought from May 18 to July 4, 1863 in Warren County, Mississippi, this battle resulted in Union gaining control over the Mississippi River and split the Confederacy in two. General Pemberton surrendered to the Union after his army ran extremely low on supplies. General Grant’s Union army was twice as large as the Confederate army and was able to easily claim a victory over the Confederacy.

1864

Battle of Port Walthall Junction – The battle took place in Chesterfield County, Virginia on May 6^th and 7^th, 1864. The Union Army, led by Major General Benjamin Butler cut a quarter of the railroad at Port Walthall Junction. 

Battle of Globe Tavern – On August 18-21, 1864 in Petersburg, Virginia this battle, also known as the Second Battle of the Weldon Railroad, was fought. The Confederates lost control of the railroads at Petersburg. Confederates had to then transport their supplies 30 miles by wagon to make sure that they did not run into the new Union lines that were now extended into the south and west.

Battle of Jonesborough – The final battle of the Atlanta Campaign took place on August 31-September 1, 1864 in Clayton County, Georgia. Atlanta became controlled by the Union, which aided in the re-election of President Abraham Lincoln.

Battle of Westport – In Westport, Missouri on October 23, 1864, one of the largest battles west of the Mississippi River was fought. The Union forces gained complete control of the Missouri territory; this was the last major threat by the Confederates to the northern states.

Sherman's March to the Sea – Fought from November 16^th to December 21^st, 1864, this battle was also known as the Savannah Campaign, as it occurred in Georgia. Major General William Tecumseh Sherman led his Union army to the capture of the Port of Savannah. This battle caused significant damage to industry and the infrastructure of the South.

1865

Battle of Sutherland's Station – One April 2, 1865 in Dinwiddie, Virginia, the Union won control over the South Side Railroad, which was the last supply line into Petersburg for General Lee.

Battle of Appomattox Courthouse – One of the last battles of the Civil War took place on April 9, 1865 in Appomattox County, Virginia. General Lee surrendered to Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant when he realized that he was outnumbered. Documents were then signed upon surrender, ending the war in Virginia. The Army of Northern Virginia was completely dissolved.

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