US Civil War Timeline 1861

This US Civil War timeline focuses on the eastern states, the area east of the Appalachians in the vicinity of the rival capitals of Washington and Richmond. For the western theater, see this page on US Civil War dates in 1861.

1861 Timeline

The high spirits with which North and South naively go to war after the attack on Fort Sumter first meet the test of battle on a large scale in mid-July as Union troops under Brig. General Irvin McDowell clash with Confederate soldiers under Gen. Joseph E. Johnston and Brig. Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard on the plains of Manassas, Virginia. A sweeping Confederate victory in what Southerners call the First Battle of Manassas (the North calls it Bull Run) inspires the Federal Government to renewed effort and makes the South over-confident. For the rest of the year the contending armies remain static between Manassas and Washington, giving Union Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan plenty of time to organize and train his new Army of the Potomac. A small Federal force overwhelmed and crushed at Ball's Bluff, Virginia, in October includes a friend and ally of President Abraham Lincoln, so the political repercussions of that battle outstrip its military significance. In December, Confederate cavalry leader J.E.B. Stuart fights a small affair at Dranesville, Virginia. All of the 1861 actions combined do not equal in scope a single day of the famous battles fought later in the war.

Mar 4 Abraham Lincoln is inaugurated 16th President of the United States

Apr 12-13 Bombardment and surrender of Fort Sumter, S.C.

Apr 15 President Lincoln calls for 75,000 volunteers

Apr 17 Virginia secedes

Apr 19 Confederates occupy Harpers Ferry, Va. (now W.Va.)

Jun 10 Engagement at Big Bethel, Va. First land "battle" in Virginia

Jul 11 Engagement at Rich Mountain, Va. (now W.Va.)

Jul 21 First battle of Manassas (Bull Run), Va.

Jul 27 George B. McClellan takes command of Union Army of the Potomac

Oct 21 Battle of Ball's Bluff, Va.

1861 Civil War Map

Source materials published by the National Park Service were used to create this US Civil War Timeline for 1861.

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