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Second Capital of the Confederacy

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Original Capital of the Confederacy

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The Battle of Gettysburg (July 1–3, 1863)

The Battle was the largest and deadliest battle of the Civil War, fought in Pennsylvania between the Union and Confederate forces. It marked a turning point in the war, as General Robert E. Lee's second invasion of the North was repelled by the Union Army under General George Meade. The battle ended with a decisive Union victory, leading to Lee's retreat to Virginia and President Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address later that year.

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4 Confederate States that joined after the attack on Fort Sumter

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4 Confederate States that joined after the attack on Fort Sumter

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Virginia (April 17, 1861)

Arkansas (May 6, 1861)

North Carolina (May 20, 1861)

Tennessee (June 8, 1861)

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Maine

New Hampshire

Vermont

Massachusetts

Rhode Island

Connecticut

New York

New Jersey

Pennsylvania

Ohio

Indiana

Illinois

Michigan

Wisconsin

Minnesota

Iowa

California

Oregon

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Delaware

Maryland

Kentucky

Missouri

West Virginia

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South Carolina (December 20, 1860)

Mississippi (January 9, 1861)

Florida (January 10, 1861)

Alabama (January 11, 1861)

Georgia (January 19, 1861)

Louisiana January 26, 1861)

Texas (February 1, 1861)

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Mississippi River

The Mississippi River was a crucial strategic point during the Civil War, as it served as a major transportation route for supplies and troops. The Union aimed to control the river as part of the Anaconda Plan, which sought to cut off the Confederacy's trade and divide its territory. The capture of Vicksburg in 1863 was a turning point, giving the Union full control of the river and weakening the Confederacy significantly.

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Kentucky

A border state that initially declared neutrality but was vital to both sides. Lincoln famously said, "To lose Kentucky is nearly the same as to lose the whole game." Eventually, it remained under Union control, providing key rivers and railroads.

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Tennessee

A major battleground with conflicts like the Battle of Shiloh and the Chattanooga Campaign. Control of Tennessee’s rivers and railroads was crucial for moving troops and supplies. By 1863, the Union had secured most of the state, aiding their push into the Deep South.

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Chesapeake Bay

A vital waterway for both trade and military movement. The Union blockade limited Confederate shipping through the bay. Several naval battles and supply routes depended on its control.

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James River

A critical route for Confederate trade and defense. Union forces used it heavily during the Peninsula Campaign to attack Richmond. The river remained contested throughout the war but ultimately fell under Union control.

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Rappahannock River

A major obstacle in several Virginia battles, including Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. Union forces had to cross it under heavy Confederate fire. Despite multiple campaigns, the river remained a difficult barrier for Union advances.

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Potomac River

A natural boundary between the North and South, separating Washington, D.C., from Virginia. It was crossed by both Union and Confederate armies multiple times. After the Battle of Antietam, Lee’s retreat across the river marked a turning point in the war.

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Ohio River

Served as a key transportation route for the Union. It marked the boundary between free and slave states, making it strategically and politically significant. The Union used it to move troops and supplies into Kentucky and Tennessee.

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Fort Sumter National Monument, South Carolina

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Fort Sumter National Monument, South Carolina

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Fort Sumter National Monument, South Carolina

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Fort Sumter

The war began here when Confederate forces fired on the Union-held fort in April 1861. The bombardment lasted over 30 hours before Union forces surrendered. This attack rallied the North and led Lincoln to call for 75,000 troops.

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Harpers Ferry

Known for John Brown’s raid in 1859 and later battles during the war. The town was home to a major federal armory, making it a key target. Control of Harper’s Ferry changed hands multiple times due to its strategic location.

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Manassas (Bull Run)

The site of two major battles, both Confederate victories. The First Battle of Bull Run shocked the North, proving the war would not be short. The Second Battle further solidified Confederate control in Virginia.

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The Battle of Vicksburg (July 4, 1863)

A major Union victory that completed their control of the Mississippi River. Grant’s siege forced the Confederate army to surrender after weeks of starvation. The fall of Vicksburg, combined with Gettysburg, marked the beginning of the Confederacy’s decline.

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The Battle of Fredericksburg

A disastrous Union defeat in December 1862. The Union army suffered massive casualties while attempting to storm well-defended Confederate positions. The lopsided victory boosted Southern morale but led to leadership changes in the Union army.

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Chancellorsville

Considered Lee’s greatest victory despite being outnumbered. Using brilliant tactics, he defeated the Union army but lost General "Stonewall" Jackson to friendly fire. This victory set the stage for Lee’s invasion of the North, leading to Gettysburg.

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The bloodiest single day in American history, with over 22,000 casualties. Though tactically inconclusive, it forced Lee’s retreat and gave Lincoln the confidence to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. The battle prevented European nations from recognizing the Confederacy.

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Shiloh

A brutal battle in Tennessee that shocked both sides with its carnage. The Union, led by Grant, ultimately won after reinforcements arrived. The high casualties signaled that the war would be far bloodier than expected.

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Baltimore

A city with strong Southern sympathies but remained under Union control. To prevent Maryland from joining the Confederacy, Lincoln imposed martial law and arrested secessionists. Despite tensions, Baltimore became a key supply and transportation hub for the Union.

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New Orleans

Captured by the Union in April 1862, giving them control of the Mississippi’s southern end. The loss of the Confederacy’s largest port severely damaged their economy. Union forces used it as a base for further operations in the South.

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Chickamauga And Chattanooga National Military Park and Auto tour, Lafayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, GA

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Chickamauga And Chattanooga National Military Park and Auto tour, Lafayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, GA

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Chickamauga And Chattanooga National Military Park and Auto tour, Lafayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, GA

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Chickamauga was a major Confederate victory, but they failed to follow up. Union forces later won at Chattanooga, securing Tennessee for the North. These battles opened the door for Sherman’s invasion of Georgia.

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Captured by Union General Sherman in December 1864 during his "March to the Sea." The city was spared from destruction and presented to Lincoln as a "Christmas gift." Its fall marked another major blow to the Confederacy.

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Appomattox Court House

The site of Lee’s surrender to Grant on April 9, 1865. This marked the effective end of the Civil War, though some fighting continued. Grant’s generous terms helped begin the process of national reconciliation.

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Washington, D.C

The Union capital, heavily fortified throughout the war. It was a constant target for Confederate raids, including an attack in 1864. Lincoln led the war effort from here, overseeing the Union’s eventual victory.

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Draft Riots (1863)

-Took place in July 1863 in response to the Union draft.

-Many working-class citizens, especially Irish immigrants, protested violently.

-The riots lasted four days, leading to deaths and destruction.

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Birthplace of Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln was born in 1809

Kentucky was a key border state, crucial to the Union

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Birthplace of Jefferson Davis

Davis was born here in 1808

He became the President of the Confederacy

Like Lincoln, he was born in Kentucky, a divided state during the war