American Civil War Battles: Dates and Key Conflicts

• The American Civil War, a major conflict in the United States, spanned from 1861 to 1865.
• The central causes included slavery and the debate over states' rights.
• Eleven Southern states seceded, leading to the formation of the Confederate States of America.
• Decades of political and social unrest over slavery preceded the war.
• The Union, also known as the North, fought to preserve the country.
• The Confederacy, or the South, fought for independence.
• Numerous significant battles occurred across several states.
• These battles involved large armies and resulted in substantial casualties.

1861

• Fort Sumter: April 12-14
• First Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas): July 21
• Battle of Wilson's Creek: August 10
• Battle of Ball's Bluff: October 21

1862

• Battle of Mill Springs: January 19
• Fort Henry: February 6
• Fort Donelson: February 11-16
• Battle of Pea Ridge: March 6-8
• Battle of Hampton Roads: March 8-9
• Battle of Shiloh: April 6-7
• Siege of Corinth: April 29 - May 30
• Battle of Seven Pines (Fair Oaks): May 31 - June 1
• Seven Days Battles: June 25 - July 1
• Second Battle of Bull Run (Second Manassas): August 28-30
• Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg): September 17
• Battle of Perryville: October 8
• Battle of Fredericksburg: December 11-15
• Battle of Stones River (Murfreesboro): December 31 - January 2, 1863

1863

• Battle of Chancellorsville: May 1-4
• Siege of Vicksburg: May 18 - July 4
• Battle of Gettysburg: July 1-3
• Battle of Chickamauga: September 19-20
• Battle of Chattanooga: November 23-25

1864

• Battle of the Wilderness: May 5-7
• Battle of Spotsylvania Court House: May 8-21
• Battle of Cold Harbor: May 31 - June 12
• Siege of Petersburg: June 9, 1864 - March 25, 1865
• Battle of Atlanta: July 22
• Sherman's March to the Sea: November 15 - December 21
• Battle of Franklin: November 30
• Battle of Nashville: December 15-16

1865

• Battle of Fort Fisher: January 13-15
• Battle of Appomattox Court House: April 9
• The first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter.
• The First Battle of Bull Run was the first major land battle.
• The Battle of Antietam holds the somber record as the bloodiest single-day battle in American history.
• Gettysburg is widely regarded as the turning point in favor of the Union.
• The Union gained control of the Mississippi River after their crucial victory at Vicksburg.
• Sherman's March to the Sea involved a devastating campaign through Georgia.
• The Confederacy surrendered at Appomattox Court House.
• These battles represent key moments and turning points.
• They showcased the strategies, strengths, and struggles of both sides.
• The Civil War led to the abolition of slavery and profoundly impacted American history.
• The power of the federal government was reinforced.
• The war resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction, particularly in the South.
• Reconstruction aimed to rebuild the South and integrate formerly enslaved people into society.
• Reconstruction was complex, challenging, and had mixed success.
• Reconstruction had long-lasting social and political consequences.
• The Civil War remains a significant topic of study and debate.
• The Civil War provides extensive insight into American identity, values, and the ongoing struggle for equality.

Explore key battles of the American Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865 between the Union and Confederacy. These battles played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of this conflict over slavery and states' rights. This list provides a chronological overview during the Civil War.