First battle of Fort Sumter April 12, 1861.

This was the beginning of the Civil War. The Confederates opened fire on the Union.

First battle of bull run July 16, 1861

The first major land battle of the armies in Virginia, it is also known as Battle of First Manassas.

Battles of Fort Henry February 6, 1862

It was the first important victory for the Union.

Battle of the Monitor and Merrimack March 9, 1862

Also known as the Battle of Ironclads,  was the most noted naval battle of the American Civil War.

Battle of Shiloh April 6-7, 1862

 A Confederate surprise attack backfires when the Union holds firm at the Hornet's Nest.

Battle of New Orleans April 29, 1862

Andrew Jackson defended New Orleans against the threat of a British force.

Second Battle of bull run August 28-30, 1862

The deciding battle in the Civil War campaign waged between Union and Confederate armies in northern Virginia.

Battle of Harpers Ferry September 12-15, 1862

This was the first invasion of the North.

The Battle of Antietam September 17, 1862

The bloodiest single day in American history ends in a Union victory Proclamation.

The Emancipation Proclamation September 22, 1862

Issued after the Union victory at Antietam.  Had strategic implications for the ongoing Civil War.

Battle of Fredericksburg December 11-15, 1862

General Burnside was defeated when attacking Confederate forces in the high ground above the town.

Battle of Chancellorsville April 30, 1863 - May 6, 1863

General Robert E. Lee defies military convention to defeat the Union at Chancellorsville.