January, 1861

The South Secedes:  a major war between the United States (the "Union") and eleven Southern slave states that declared their states' rights to secession and formed the Confederate States of America.

February,1861

The South Creates a Government:  Seven states declared their independence from the United States before Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated as president; four more did so after the American Civil War began with the Battle of Fort Sumter when the CSA attacked the USA. The United States of America

February 1861

The South Seizes Federal Forts:  When President Buchanan -- Lincoln's predecessor -- refused to surrender southern federal forts to the seceding states, southern state troops seized them. At Fort Sumter, South Carolina troops repulsed a supply ship trying to reach federal forces based in the fort. The ship was forced to return to New York, its supplies undelivered.

March 1861

Lincoln's Inauguration:  Monday, March 4, 1861, was a big day for Abraham Lincoln and for America. That morning, he and outgoing President James Buchanan left the Willard Hotel, which is nearby the White House, in a horse-drawn carriage bound for the Capitol.

April 1861

Attack on Fort Sumter:

April 1861

Four More States Join the Confederacy:

June 1861

West Virginia is Born:

June 1861

Four Slave States Stay in the Union:

July 1861

First Battle of Bull Run:

July 1861

General McDowell Is Replaced:

July 1861