Chronology of The Civil War

1860
	November 6, 1860 Abraham Lincoln, who had declared “Government cannot endure permanently half slave, half free…” is elected president, the first Republican, receiving 180 of 303 possible electoral votes and 40 percent of the popular vote.
	Dec 20, 1860 South Carolina secedes from the Union. Followed within two months by Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas.
1861
	Auction and Negro sales, Atlanta, Georgia.
	Feb 9, 1861 The Confederate States of America is formed with Jefferson Davis, a West Point graduate and former U.S. Army officer, as president.
	March 4, 1861 Abraham Lincoln is sworn in as 16th President of the United States of America.
	April 12, 1861 Fort Sumter Attacked At 4:30 a.m. Confederates under Gen. Pierre Beauregard open fire with 50 cannons upon Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. The Civil War begins.
	April 14, 1861 Fort Sumter after its capture, showing damage from the Rebel bombardment of over 3000 shells and now flying the Rebel “Stars and Bars”.
	Fort Sumter – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/sc/sc001.html
	April 15, 1861 President Lincoln issues a Proclamation calling for 75,000 militiamen, and summoning a special session of Congress for July 4.Robert E. Lee, son of a Revolutionary War hero, and a 25 year distinguished veteran of the United States Army and former Superintendent of West Point, is offered command of the Union Army. Lee declines.
	April 17, 1861 Virginia secedes from the Union, followed within five weeks by Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina, thus forming an eleven state Confederacy with a population of 9 million, including nearly 4 million slaves. The Union will soon have 21 states and a population of over 20 million.
	Map of Allegiances of the States – 1861.
	April 19, 1861 President Lincoln issues a Proclamation of Blockade against Southern ports. For the duration of the war the blockade limits the ability of the rural South to stay well supplied in its war against the industrialized North.
	April 20, 1861 Robert E. Lee resigns his commission in the United States Army. “I cannot raise my hand against my birthplace, my home, my children.” Lee then goes to Richmond, Virginia, is offered command of the military and naval forces of Virginia, and accepts.
	July 4, 1861 Lincoln, in a speech to Congress, states the war is…”a People’s contest…a struggle for maintaining in the world, that form, and substance of government, whose leading object is, to elevate the condition of men…” The Congress authorizes a call for 500,000 men.
	July 21, 1861 First Bull Run The Union Army under Gen. Irvin McDowell suffers a defeat at Bull Run 25 miles southwest of Washington. Confederate Gen. Thomas J. Jackson earns the nickname “Stonewall,” as his brigade resists Union attacks. Union troops fall back to Washington. President Lincoln realizes the war will be long. “It’s damned bad,” he comments.
	Ruins of the Stone Bridge over which Northern forces retreated until it was blown up by a Rebel shell adding to the panic of the retreat, with the Federals returning to Washington as “a rain-soaked mob.”
	Battle of 1st Bull Run – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/va/va004.html
	July 27, 1861 President Lincoln appoints George B. McClellan as Commander of the Department of the Potomac, replacing McDowell. McClellan tells his wife, “I find myself in a new and strange position here: President, cabinet, Gen. Scott, and all deferring to me. By some strange operation of magic I seem to have become the power of the land.”
	Sept 11, 1861 President Lincoln revokes Gen. John C. Frémont’s unauthorized military proclamation of emancipation in Missouri. Later, the president relieves Gen. Frémont of his command and replaces him with Gen. David Hunter.
	Nov 1, 1861 President Lincoln appoints McClellan as general-in-chief of all Union forces after the resignation of the aged Winfield Scott. Lincoln tells McClellan, “…the supreme command of the Army will entail a vast labor upon you.” McClellan responds, “I can do it all.”
	Nov 8, 1861 The beginning of an international diplomatic crisis for President Lincoln as two Confederate officials sailing toward England are seized by the U.S. Navy. England, the leading world power, demands their release, threatening war. Lincoln eventually gives in and orders their release in December. “One war at a time,” Lincoln remarks.

1862
	Jan 31, 1862 President Lincoln issues General War Order No. 1 calling for all United States naval and land forces to begin a general advance by Feb 22, George Washington’s birthday.
	Feb 6, 1862 Victory for Gen. Ulysses S. Grant in Tennessee, capturing Fort Henry, and ten days later Fort Donelson. Grant earns the nickname “Unconditional Surrender” Grant.Battle of Fort Henry – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/tn/tn001.htmlBattle of Fort Donelson – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/tn/tn002.html
	Feb 20, 1862 President Lincoln is struck with grief as his beloved eleven year old son, Willie, dies from fever, probably caused by polluted drinking water in the White House.
	March 8/9, 1862 The Confederate Ironclad ‘Merrimac’ sinks two wooden Union ships then battles the Union Ironclad ‘Monitor’ to a draw. Naval warfare is thus changed forever, making wooden ships obsolete. Engraving of the Battle The Monitor at dock, showing damage from the battle.
	In March The Peninsular Campaign begins as McClellan’s Army of the Potomac advances from Washington down the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay to the peninsular south of the Confederate Capital of Richmond, Virginia then begins an advance toward Richmond.
	President Lincoln temporarily relieves McClellan as general-in-chief and takes direct command of the Union Armies.
	April 6/7, 1862 Shiloh Confederate surprise attack on Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s unprepared troops at Shiloh on the Tennessee River results in a bitter struggle with 13,000 Union killed and wounded and 10,000 Confederates, more men than in all previous American wars combined. The president is then pressured to relieve Grant but resists. “I can’t spare this man; he fights,” Lincoln says. Battle of Shiloh – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/tn/tn003.html
	April 24, 1862 17 Union ships under the command of Flag Officer David Farragut move up the Mississippi River then take New Orleans, the South’s greatest seaport. Later in the war, sailing through a Rebel mine field Farragut utters the famous phrase “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!”Battle of New Orleans – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/la/la002.html
	May 31, 1862 The Battle of Seven Pines as Gen. Joseph E. Johnston’s Army attacks McClellan’s troops in front of Richmond and nearly defeats them. But Johnston is badly wounded.Battle of Seven Pines – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/va/va014.html
	June 1, 1862 Gen. Robert E. Lee assumes command, replacing the wounded Johnston. Lee then renames his force the Army of Northern Virginia. McClellan is not impressed, saying Lee is “likely to be timid and irresolute in action.”
	June 25 – July 1 The Seven Days Battles as Lee attacks McClellan near Richmond, resulting in very heavy losses for both armies. McClellan then begins a withdrawal back toward Washington.Young Georgia Private Edwin Jennison, killed in the Seven Days Battles at Malvern Hill – the face of a lost generation.
	July 11, 1862 After four months as his own general-in-chief, President Lincoln hands over the task to Gen. Henry W. (Old Brains) Halleck.
	Aug 29/30, 1862 Second Battle of Bull Run 75,000 Federals under Gen. John Pope are defeated by 55,000 Confederates under Gen. Stonewall Jackson and Gen. James Longstreet at the second battle of Bull Run in northern Virginia. Once again the Union Army retreats to Washington. The president then relieves Pope.
	Sept 4-9, 1862 Lee invades the North with 50,000 Confederates and heads for Harpers Ferry, located 50 miles northwest of Washington. The Union Army, 90,000 strong, under the command of McClellan, pursues Lee.
	Sept 17, 1862 Antietam The bloodiest day in U.S. military history as Gen. Robert E. Lee and the Confederate Armies are stopped at Antietam in Maryland by McClellan and numerically superior Union forces. By nightfall 26,000 men are dead, wounded, or missing. Lee then withdraws to Virginia. Confederate dead by the fence bordering Farmer Miller’s 40 acre Cornfield at Antietam where the intense rifle and artillery fire cut every corn stalk to the ground “as closely as could have been done with a knife.” Battle of Antietam – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/alpha.html
	Sept 22, 1862 Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves issued by President Lincoln.
	October, 1862 President Lincoln visits Gen. George McClellan at Antietam, Maryland
	Nov 7, 1862 The president replaces McClellan with Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside as the new Commander of the Army of the Potomac. Lincoln had grown impatient with McClellan’s slowness to follow up on the success at Antietam, even telling him, “If you don’t want to use the army, I should like to borrow it for a while.”
	Dec 13, 1862 Fredericksburg Army of the Potomac under Gen. Burnside suffers a costly defeat at Fredericksburg in Virginia with a loss of 12,653 men after 14 frontal assaults on well entrenched Rebels on Marye’s Heights. “We might as well have tried to take hell,” a Union soldier remarks. Confederate losses are 5,309. “It is well that war is so terrible – we should grow too fond of it,” states Lee during the fighting. Battle of Fredricksburg – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/va/va028.html

1863
	Jan 1, 1863 President Lincoln issues the final Emancipation Proclamation freeing all slaves in territories held by Confederates and emphasizes the enlisting of black soldiers in the Union Army. The war to preserve the Union now becomes a revolutionary struggle for the abolition of slavery.
	Jan 25, 1863 The president appoints Gen. Joseph (Fighting Joe) Hooker as Commander of the Army of the Potomac, replacing Burnside.
	Jan 29, 1863 Gen. Grant is placed in command of the Army of the West, with orders to capture Vicksburg.
	March 3, 1863 The U.S. Congress enacts a draft, affecting male citizens aged 20 to 45, but also exempts those who pay $300 or provide a substitute. “The blood of a poor man is as precious as that of the wealthy,” poor Northerners complain.
	May 1-4, 1863 Chancellorsville The Union Army under Gen. Hooker is decisively defeated by Lee’s much smaller forces at the Battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia as a result of Lee’s brilliant and daring tactics. Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson is mortally wounded by his own soldiers. Hooker retreats. Union losses are 17,000 killed, wounded and missing out of 130,000. The Confederates, 13, 000 out of 60,000. “I just lost confidence in Joe Hooker,” said Hooker later about his own lack of nerve during the battle. Confederate soldiers at the Sunken Road, killed during the fighting around Chancellorsville. Battle of Chancellorsvile – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/va/va032.html
	May 10, 1863 The South suffers a huge blow as Stonewall Jackson dies from his wounds, his last words, “Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees.””I have lost my right arm,” Lee laments.
	June 3, 1863 Gen. Lee with 75,000 Confederates launches his second invasion of the North, heading into Pennsylvania in a campaign that will soon lead to Gettysburg.
	June 28, 1863 President Lincoln appoints Gen. George G. Meade as commander of the Army of the Potomac, replacing Hooker. Meade is the 5th man to command the Army in less than a year.
	July 1-3, 1863 GettysburgThe tide of war turns against the South as the Confederates are defeated at the Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania.Read about the Battle of Gettysburg – Battlefield Photos Union soldiers on the Battlefield at Gettysburg.
	July 4, 1863 Vicksburg, the last Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River, surrenders to Gen. Grant and the Army of the West after a six week siege. With the Union now in control of the Mississippi, the Confederacy is effectively split in two, cut off from its western allies.Battle of Vicksburg – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/ms/ms011.html
	July 13-16, 1863 Antidraft riots in New York City include arson and the murder of blacks by poor immigrant whites. At least 120 persons, including children, are killed and $2 million in damage caused, until Union soldiers returning from Gettysburg restore order.
	July 18, 1863 ‘Negro troops’ of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment under Col. Robert G. Shaw assault fortified Rebels at Fort Wagner, South Carolina. Col. Shaw and half of the 600 men in the regiment are killed.Fort Wagner – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/sc/sc007.html
	Aug 3–10, 1863 Third Regiment U.S.C.T. organized at Camp William Penn
	Aug 10, 1863 The president meets with abolitionist Frederick Douglass who pushes for full equality for Union ‘Negro troops.’
	Aug 21, 1863 At Lawrence, Kansas, pro-Confederate William C. Quantrill and 450 proslavery followers raid the town and butcher 182 boys and men.
	Aug 20, 1863 Siege of Forts Wagner and Gregg, Morris Island, SC
	Aug 26, 1863 Third Regiment U.S.C.T. in action at Forts Wagner and Gregg
	Sept 1863 Recruiting begins for the Eighth Regiment U.S.C.T.
	Sept 7, 1863 Capture of Forts Wagner and Gregg
	Sept 12, 1863 Sixth Regiment U.S.C.T. organized at Camp William Penn
	Sept 19/20, 1863 ChickamaugaA decisive Confederate victory by Gen. Braxton Bragg’s Army of Tennessee at Chickamauga leaves Gen. William S. Rosecrans‘ Union Army of the Cumberland trapped in Chattanooga, Tennessee under Confederate siege.Battle of Chickamauga – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/ga/ga004.html
	Oct. 14, 1863 Sixth Regiment U.S.C.T. leave Philadelphia to join Army of the James.
	Oct 16, 1863 The president appoints Gen. Grant to command all operations in the western theater.
	Nov 19, 1863 President Lincoln delivers a two minute Gettysburg Address at a ceremony dedicating the Battlefield as a National Cemetery.Page one of Gettysburg Address in Lincoln’s handwriting Page two of Gettysburg Address in Lincoln’s handwriting Lincoln among the crowd at Gettysburg – Nov 19, 1863
	Nov 23-25, 1863 Chattanooga The Rebel siege of Chattanooga ends as Union forces under Grant defeat the siege army of Gen. Braxton Bragg. During the battle, one of the most dramatic moments of the war occurs. Yelling “Chickamauga! Chickamauga!” Union troops avenge their previous defeat at Chickamauga by storming up the face of Missionary Ridge without orders and sweep the Rebels from what had been though to be an impregnable position. “My God, come and see ’em run!” a Union soldier cries.Battle of Chattanooga – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/tn/tn024.html

1864
	Jan 1864 The Twenty-Second Regiment U.S.C.T. organized at Camp William Penn
	Jan 16, 1864 The Eighth Regiment U.S.C.T. leaves Camp William Penn for Hilton Head, SC
	Jan 1864 Late in the month the Twenty-second Regiment U.S.C.T. was ordered to the front and joined the Army of the James under Gen. Butler’s command.
	Feb 4, 1864 The Eighth Regiment U.S.C.T. reviewed by Gen. Gilmore eliciting much commendation by its good soldiery appearance.
	Feb 5-7, 1864 Third Regiment U.S.C.T. moved to Hilton Head, SC and then to Jacksonville, FL. The Eighth Regiment U.S.C.T. joins the Third in Jacksonville.
	Feb 12, 1864 Twenty-fifth Regiment U.S.C.T. organized at Camp William Penn
	Feb 19, 1864 A change in organization was made, whereby the Seventh Connecticut, the Seventh New Hampshire, and the Eighth U.S.C.T. were united in a brigade under the command of Colonel Hawley, of the Seventh Connecticut.
	Feb 20, 1864 Battle of OlusteeBattle of Olustee – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/fl/fl005.html
	Mar 7, 1864 Thirty-Second Regiment U.S.C.T. organized at Camp William Penn
	March 9, 1864 President Lincoln appoints Gen. Grant to command all of the armies of the United States. Gen. William T. Sherman succeeds Grant as commander in the west.
	March 12, 1864 Forty-third Regiment U.S.C.T. organized at Camp William Penn
	April 18, 1864 Forty-third Regiment U.S.C.T. move to Annapolis, Maryland. Members of this regiment were the first colored troops destined for duty with the Army of the Potomac. They participated in the Wilderness campaign.
	April 27, 1864 Thirty-second Regiment U.S.C.T. arrived at Hilton Head, SC and duty there until June, 1864. The regiment later moved to Morris Island, SC and duty there against Charleston, SC.
	May 1, 1864 Twenty-fifth Regiment U.S.C.T. arrived in New Orleans, LA., and participated in the defenses of New Orleans until July, 1864. The regiment was then sent to Barrancas, Florida where it relieved the Seventh Mine, and was charged with garrison duty. Four companies were detached and placed in command of Fort Pickens, commanding the entrance to Pensacola Harbor.
	May 4, 1864 The beginning of a massive, coordinated campaign involving all the Union Armies. In Virginia, Grant with an Army of 120,000 begins advancing toward Richmond to engage Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, now numbering 64,000, beginning a war of attrition that will include major battles at the Wilderness (May 5-6), Spotsylvania (May 8-12), and Cold Harbor (June 1-3).Battle of the Wilderness – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/va/va046.html Battle of Spotsylvania – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/va/va048.htmlIn the west, Sherman, with 100,000 men begins an advance toward Atlanta to engage Joseph E. Johnston’s 60,000 strong Army of Tennessee.A council of war with Gen. Grant leaning over the shoulder of Gen. Meade looking at a map, planning the Cold Harbor assault.
	June 3, 1864 Cold HarborA costly mistake by Grant results in 7,000 Union casualties in twenty minutes during an offensive against fortified Rebels at Cold Harbor in Virginia. Many of the Union soldiers in the failed assault had predicted the outcome, including a dead soldier from Massachusetts whose last entry in his diary was, “June 3, 1864, Cold Harbor, Virginia. I was killed.”Battle of Cold Harbor – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/va/va062.html
	June 7, 1864 Forty-fifth Regiment U.S.C.T. organized at Camp William Penn.
	June 15, 1864 Union forces miss an opportunity to capture Petersburg and cut off the Confederate rail lines. As a result, a nine month siege of Petersburg begins with Grant’s forces surrounding Lee. In this battle the Sixth, Fourth, Fifth and Twenty-Second U.S.C.T. attacked the left of the rebel earth-works in front of Petersburg. The Twenty-Second led the charge. The Forty-third Regiment U.S.C.T. was on the right.The 13-inch Union mortar “Dictator” mounted on a railroad flatcar at Petersburg. Its 200-pound shells had a range of over 2 miles.Siege of Petersburg – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/va/va063.html
	July, 1864 Four companies of the Forty-fifth Regiment U.S.C.T. are assigned to Arlington Heights, Maryland in defense of Washington. The regiment remained in this position until the middle of March, 1865.
	July 20, 1864 At Atlanta, Sherman’s forces battle the Rebels now under the command of Gen. John B. Hood, who replaced Johnston.Battle of Atlanta – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/ga/ga017.html
	July 30, 1864 Forty-third Regiment U.S.C.T. at Petersburg and the mine explosion at Petersburg.Mine explosion at Petersburg – http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/hh/13/hh13f.htm
	Aug 4, 1864 Gen. William Birney’s Brigade with the Eighth Regiment U.S.C.T. attached was ordered to Virginia and joined Gen. Butler’s forces at Deep Bottom on the 12th.Battle of Deep Bottom – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/va/va071.html
	Aug 18-21, 1864 Forty-third Regiment U.S.C.T. in action at Weldon Railroad.Second Battle of Weldon Railroad – http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/abpp/battles/va072.htm
	Aug 23, 1864 127th Regiment U.S.C.T. organized at Camp William Penn
	Aug 25, 1864 The Eighth Regiment U.S.C.T. crossed the James River and went into position upon the Petersburg front.
	Aug 29, 1864 Democrats nominate George B. McClellan for president to run against Republican incumbent Abraham Lincoln. The Twenty-Second Regiment U.S.C.T. delivered a most daring and impetuous charge at Chapin’s Farm, but was repulsed.
	Sept, 1864 127th Regiment U.S.C.T. in siege operations against Petersburg and Richmond VA. Siege continued until April 1865.
	Sept 2, 1864 Atlanta is captured by Sherman’s Army. “Atlanta is ours, and fairly won,” Sherman telegraphs Lincoln. The victory greatly helps President Lincoln’s bid for re-election.
	Sept 20, 1864 The remaining six companies of the Forty-fifth Regiment U.S.C.T. proceed to City Point and assigned to duty in the 10th Corps.
	Sept 29, 1864 Battle of New MarketThe Fourth and Sixth U.S.C.T. had the advance and pushed the enemy to the outer defenses of Richmond. After a halt was ordered, preparations were made for an assault. The Sixth went forward into withering fire in which it lost more than half of its force before the signal was given to retire. On the afternoon of this day, Gen. Birney determined to carry a bastioned fort in his front, and selected for the desperate work, a brigade consisting of the Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth U.S.C.T. 127th Regiment U.S.C.T. at Chaffin’s Farm, New Market Heights.Battle of Chaffin’s Farm – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/va/va075.htmlForty-third Regiment U.S.C.T. engaged at Poplar Grove Church Sept 29 to Oct 1. Forty-fifth Regiment U.S.C.T. as part of the 10th Corps take part in the engagements at Fort Harrison.

Battle of Fort Harrison – http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/abpp/battles/va075.htm Sept 30, 1864
Forty-first Regiment U.S.C.T. organized at Camp William Penn Oct 13, 1864
The division with the Eighth Regiment U.S.C.T. was ordered out for an offensive movement. The Eighth was put upon the front as skirmishers, and led on through a dense wood, on the Darbytown Road. The Forty-fifth and 127th Regiments U.S.C.T. also engaged in this operation. Oct 18, 1864
Forty-first Regiment U.S.C.T ordered to join Army of the James Oct 19, 1864
A decisive Union victory by Cavalry Gen. Philip H. Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley over Jubal Early’s troops.Shenandoah Campaign – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Cedar_Creek Oct 27, 1864
Battle of Hatcher’s Run and Armstrong’s Mill. The Twenty-Second led a column, and at a point near the old Fair Oaks Battle-ground, charged on the rebel entrenched position. Forty-first Regiment U.S.C.T. moved to Fort Burnham on line north of James River before Richmond. The Forty-fifth Regiment U.S.C.T. participated in the action at Charles City Cross Roads.Battle of Fair Oaks – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/va/va080.html Oct 27-28, 1864
Forty-first Regiment U.S.C.T, engaged in Battle of Fair Oaks. Forty-third Regiment U.S.C.T. at Boydton Plank Road, Hatcher’s Run. 127th Regiment U.S.C.T. engaged in the battle. Nov 8, 1864
Abraham Lincoln is re-elected president, defeating Democrat George B. McClellan. Lincoln carries all but three states with 55 percent of the popular vote and 212 of 233 electoral votes. “I earnestly believe that the consequences of this day’s work will be to the lasting advantage, if not the very salvation, of the country,” Lincoln tells supporters. Nov 15, 1864
March to the SeaAfter destroying Atlanta’s warehouses and railroad facilities, Sherman, with 62,000 men begins a March to the Sea. President Lincoln on advice from Grant approved the idea. “I can make Georgia howl!” Sherman boasts. Nov 28-30, 1864
Thirty-second Regiment U.S.C.T. engaged in expedition to Boyd’s Neck and Battle of Honey Hill on November 30.Battle of Honey Hill – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/sc/sc010.html Dec 15/16, 1864
Hood’s Rebel Army of 23,000 is crushed at Nashville by 55,000 Federals including Negro troops under Gen. George H. Thomas. The Confederate Army of Tennessee ceases as an effective fighting force.Battle of Nashville – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/tn/tn038.html Dec 21, 1864
Sherman reaches Savannah in Georgia leaving behind a 300 mile long path of destruction 60 miles wide all the way from Atlanta. Sherman then telegraphs Lincoln, offering him Savannah as a Christmas present. 1865 Jan 1, 1865
Forty-first Regiment U.S.C.T. moved to vicinity of Fort Durham, exchanging camps with the 117th Colored. Jan 19, 1865
The Sixth Regiment U.S.C.T. participated in a sharp encounter at Sugar Loaf Hill, NC Jan 31, 1865
The U.S. Congress approves the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, to abolish slavery. The amendment is then submitted to the states for ratification. Feb 3, 1865
A peace conference occurs as President Lincoln meets with Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens at Hampton Roads in Virginia, but the meeting ends in failure – the war will continue.Only Lee’s Army at Petersburg and Johnston’s forces in North Carolina remain to fight for the South against Northern forces now numbering 280,000 men. Feb 11, 1865
The Commanding Officer of Company A of the Sixth Regiment was killed and Sergeant Richard Carter took command with great skill and courage, until the company was relieved. Feb 17, 1865
Twenty-fourth Regiment U.S.C.T. organized at Camp William Penn Feb 18, 1865
Thirty-second Regiment U.S.C.T. participated in Occupation of Charleston, SC Feb 22, 1865
The Sixth Regiment U.S.C.T. participated in the capture of Wilmington, NCBattle of Wilmington NC – http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/abpp/battles/nc016.htm March 4, 1865
Inauguration ceremonies for President Lincoln in Washington. “With malice toward none; with charity for all…let us strive on to finish the work we are in…to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations,” Lincoln says. March 14, 1865
The four companies of the Forty-fifth Regiment U.S.C.T. which had been on duty in the defenses of Washington were united with the other companies of the regiment at the front. March 21, 1865
The Sixth Regiment U.S.C.T. participated in the occupation of Goldsboro after the battle of Bentonville.The Battle of Bentonville – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Bentonville March 25, 1865
The last offensive for Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia begins with an attack on the center of Grant’s forces at Petersburg. Four hours later the attack is broken.At Petersburg, Virginia, well supplied Union soldiers shown before Grant’s spring offensive. Mar 26, 1865
The 25th Corps which included the Forty-fifth Regiment U.S.C.T. was reviewed by President Lincoln and General Grant and in the 27th crossed the James for active duty with the Army of the Potomac. Mar 27, 1865
In connection with the 24th Corps, under the command of General Ord, to the 2nd Division which the Forty-first Regiment U.S.C.T. now belonged is moved to join the Army of the Potomac. Forty-third Regiment U.S.C.T. moved to Hatcher’s Run.Battle of Hatcher’s Run – http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/abpp/battles/va083.htm Mar 28 – April 9
Forty-third Regiment U.S.C.T. engaged in Appomattox Campaign Mar 29, 1865
Forty-first Regiment U.S.C.T. arrives at Hatcher’s Run and skirmishes with the enemy. Mar 29 -31, 1865
Forty-fifth and 127th Regiments U.S.C.T. at Hatcher’s Run. Apr 2, 1865
Grant’s forces begin a general advance and break through Lee’s lines at Petersburg. Confederate Gen. Ambrose P. Hill is killed. Lee evacuates Petersburg. The Confederate Capital, Richmond, is evacuated. Fires and looting break out. Forty-first and Forty-third Regiments U.S.C.T. engaged before Petersburg.Final Battle of Petersburg – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/va/va089.html Apr 3, 1865
Union troops enter Petersburg and raise the Stars and Stripes. The Eighth Regiment U.S.C.T participated in the operations that resulted in the fall of Petersburg, and was among the foremost to enter the city. Afterwards the regiment left by sea to Texas and was stationed at Ringgold Barracks, on the Rio Grande. The Twenty-Second Regiment U.S.C.T. was among the first to enter the city and rendered important service in extinguishing the flames that were raging throughout the city. Forty-third and Forty-fifth Regiments U.S.C.T. in pursuit of Gen. Lee until April 9th. April 4, 1865
President Lincoln tours Richmond where he enters the Confederate White House. With “a serious, dreamy expression,” he sits at the desk of Jefferson Davis for a few moments. April 9, 1865
Lee Surrenders Gen. Robert E. Lee surrenders his Confederate Army to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at the village of Appomattox Court House in Virginia. Grant allows Rebel officers to keep their sidearms and permits soldiers to keep horses and mules. Forty-first Regiment U.S.C.T. reaches Appomattox Court House and encamps. The Forty-fifth and 127th Regiments U.S.C.T. present at surrender.Appomattox Station – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/va/va096.html
Appomattox Court House – http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/va/va097.html April 9–14, 1865
Sixth Regiment U.S.C.T. participates in advance on Raleigh and the occupation of that city on April 14th.”After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources,” Lee tells his troops.General Lee surrendered in the parlor of this house.Lee posed for this photo by Mathew Brady shortly after the surrender. April 10, 1865
Celebrations break out in Washington.Final portrait of a war weary president – April 10, 1865 April 11, 1865
Forty-first Regiment U.S.C.T. moved back to Petersburg. April 14, 1865
Lincoln ShotThe Stars and Stripes is ceremoniously raised over Fort Sumter.That night, Lincoln and his wife Mary see the play “Our American Cousin” at Ford’s Theater. At 10:13 p.m., during the third act of the play, John Wilkes Booth shoots the president in the head. Doctors attend to the president in the theater then move him to a house across the street. He never regains consciousness. April 15, 1865
President Abraham Lincoln dies at 7:22 in the morning. Vice President Andrew Johnson assumes the presidency. On account of its excellent discipline and good soldierly qualities, the Twenty-Second Regiment U.S.C.T was selected by Gen. Weitzel to proceed to Washington, after the assassination of the President, to participate in the obsequies of his funeral. Afterward they were sent into Eastern Maryland, along the lower Potomac, to assist in the capture of Booth and his co-conspirators. April 18, 1865
Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston surrenders to Sherman near Durham in North Carolina. April 19, 1865
Funeral Procession on Pennsylvania Ave. April 26, 1865
John Wilkes Booth is shot and killed in a tobacco barn in Virginia. May 4, 1865
Abraham Lincoln is laid to rest in Oak Ridge Cemetery, outside Springfield, Illinois. In May
Remaining Confederate forces surrender. The Nation is reunited as the Civil War ends. Over 620,000 Americans died in the war, with disease killing twice as many as those lost in battle. 50,000 survivors return home as amputees. Sixth Regiment U.S.C.T. at the surrender of General Johnston and his army. The Twenty-Second Regiment U.S.C.T. is assigned to duty along the Rio Grande. The Twenty-fourth Regiment U.S.C.T. assigned to Camp Casey on the Virginia side of the Potomac opposite Washington. The Forty-fifth Regiment U.S.C.T. sent to Texas and was stationed at Edinburg on the Mexican border.A victory parade is held in Washington along Pennsylvania Ave. to help boost the Nation’s morale – May 23/24, 1865. May 25, 1865
Forty-first Regiment U.S.C.T. embarked at City Point for Texas arriving at the Island of Brazos de Santiago in early June. May 30, 1865
Forty-third Regiment U.S.C.T. moved to Rio Grande opposite city of Matamoras, Mexico. June 1, 1865
Twenty-fourth Regiment U.S.C.T. sent to Point Lookout, Maryland to guard rebel prisoners. 127th Regiment U.S.C.T. moved to Island of Brazos de Santiago for duty during June and July. June-Sept, 1865
Sixth Regiment U.S.C.T. assigned duty in the Department of North Carolina. July-Sept, 1865
Twenty-fourth Regiment U.S.C.T. ordered to Richmond where government supplies were distributed to the needy inhabitants, and the troops were employed in preserving order. Aug 22, 1865
The Thirty-second Regiment U.S.C.T. having returned to Philadelphia was mustered out of service. Sept 8, 1865
Forty-fifth Regiment U.S.C.T. ordered to Brownsville, Texas. Sept 20, 1865
Sixth Regiment U.S.C.T. mustered out of service. Sept 30, 1865
Forty-first Regiment U.S.C.T. is consolidated into a battalion of four companies. These were mustered out of service in Brownsville, TX on the 10th of November. Oct 1, 1865
The twenty-fourth Regiment U.S.C.T. was mustered out of service in Richmond. Oct 10, 1865
The Eighth Regiment U.S.C.T. started on a homeward march, proceeding via Santiago, New Orleans, and New York. They arrived in Philadelphia on December 3rd. Oct 13, 1865
Third Regiment U.S.C.T. mustered out. Oct 16, 1865
Twenty-Second Regiment U.S.C.T. returns to Philadelphia and is mustered out. Oct 20, 1865
Forty-third Regiment U.S.C.T. mustered out of service after sinking of transport steamer Merrimac on October 9th at mouth of Mississippi. 127th Regiment U.S.C.T. mustered out of service. Nov 4, 1865
Forty-fifth Regiment U.S.C.T. mustered out of service. Nov 26, 1865
Forty-third Regiment U.S.C.T. arrived in New York. Nov 30, 1865
Forty-third Regiment U.S.C.T. discharged in Philadelphia. Dec 6, 1865
The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, passed by Congress on January 31, 1865, is finally ratified. Slavery is abolished.
http://www.nps.gov/malu/documents/amend13.htmThe Twenty-fifth Regiment U.S.C.T. after leaving Florida and arriving in Philadelphia at Camp Cadwalader was mustered out of service. Dec 12, 1865
Eighth Regiment U.S.C.T. mustered out. Dec 13, 1865
Forty-fifth Regiment U.S.C.T. discharged at Camp Cadwalader in Philadelphia. Dec 14, 1865
Forty-first Regiment U.S.C.T. having returned to Philadelphia and was disbanded

Ref.: The History Place™ as amended; National Park Service (ABPP); Wilipedia; U.S.C.T. Regimental histories; American Civil War Battles

Chronology of The Civil War

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