New Hampshire

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Rhode Island

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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.

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.

Maryland

Kentucky

Missouri

West Virginia

Mississippi (January 9, 1861)

Florida (January 10, 1861)

Alabama (January 11, 1861)

Georgia (January 19, 1861)

Louisiana January 26, 1861)

Texas (February 1, 1861)

Arkansas (May 6, 1861)

North Carolina (May 20, 1861)

Tennessee (June 8, 1861)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

-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.

Lincoln was born in 1809

Kentucky was a key border state, crucial to the Union

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