Major Battles of the Civil War

Ft. Sumter 1st battle of the Civil War- Charleston, South Carolina Confederate artillery bombardment of Major Robert Anderson’s small union garrison. General P.G.T. Beauregard in charge of Confederate troops- ordered surrender of Union troops. They refused and so Confederates began fire. No casualties/Confederate victory Union troops surrendered and one day later, on April 15th, Lincoln requests 75,000 volunteers.

1st Battle of Bull Run 1st major land battle, July 16th, 1861 Union led by Gen. McDowell Confederates led by Gen. Beauregard Union goal “…to make quick work of the bulk of the Confederate army, open the way to Richmond, the Confederate capital, and end the war.” Colonel Thomas Jackson earns nickname “Stonewall” at this battle for holding high ground. Confederates succeeded but too disorganized to pursue, so Union troops able to retreat to D.C. Lincoln Administration and the North now convinced that the Civil War would be a long and costly affair. McDowell replaced by Gen. George B. McClellan

Antietam After success at the 2nd Battle of Bull Run, Lee wants to launch a campaign into the North. September 17, 1862- Confederate forces head north into Sharpsburg, Maryland but pushed back by McClellan. Tactically a draw, but because of the Confederate retreat it was called a Union victory. Gen. McClellan replaced by Gen. Ambrose Burnside. (He is inspiration for the term “side burns.”) Gives Lincoln the “push” to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. “Bloodiest single day in American history”

Vicksburg Although the Union has been doing poorly in the East, they had better luck in the Western Theatre under Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. Victories at Ft. Henry and Donelson earn Grant the nickname, “unconditional surrender” but the Union still doesn’t have full control of the Mississippi River. Grant lays siege on Vicksburg, where Confederate Gen. John Pemberton and his men are entrapped. Pemberton surrenders on July 4th, 1863, the Union now controls all of the Mississippi- splitting the Confederacy. Grant earns fame from his brilliant strategizing and is eventually appointed command of all Union armies.

Gettysburg After Lee’s incredible victory- and the loss of Stonewall- at Chancellorsville, he decides to try to go North again to take the fighting out of Virginia. Gen. Joseph Hooker (Union commander at Chancellorsville) relieved of command and replaced by Gen. George Meade. Lee learns of Meade’s army in Pennsylvania- and so focuses forces around Gettysburg. Fighting breaks out July 1st, the Confederates being successful on the first day and push Union back to Culp’s Hill and Cemetery Hill- south of the town. 2nd day- Union forces defend fishhook shape of hills and maintain strong positions at the end of the day. 3rd day- fighting continues, main event being Pickett’s Charge- an unsuccessful, assault on the Union force’s central line. Lee and his forces retreat back to Virginia. Bloodiest battle of the Civil War- More than 50,000 casualties.

Atlanta July 22nd, 1864- Union Gen. William T. Sherman attacks Confederate forces under Gen. John B. Hood. Sherman defeats Hood and orders an evacuation of the city, and then burns it. This marks the beginning of his “March to the Sea” This turning-point battle is known not only for its strategic victory, but political as well. The Union victory helps Abraham Lincoln to get reelected over George McClellan.

Appomattox Court House April 9th, 1865- Army of Northern Virginia’s final battle; the beginning to the end of the Civil War. Followed a 10-month Battle of Petersburg and ended Lee’s retreat. April 8th,Grant had sent Lee a letter suggesting surrender, Lee refused. The following day, Lee tries to move past Union forces but realizes that he is outnumbered and must surrender. He is quoted saying, “there is nothing left for me to do but go and see General Grant, and I would rather die a thousand deaths.” They meet in Appomattox Courthouse to discuss terms of surrender. Grant was gracious to Confederate troops. Even though the majority of the fighting is over, there are still skirmishes in other parts of the country months later.