Ohio Civil War » Civil War Chronology

Civil War Chronology

Antebellum

1808 – December 29 — Future President Andrew Johnson is Born

1821 – December 25 — Clara Barton is Born

1827 – December 28 — Union General Robert Latimer McCook, of Ohio’s Fighting McCooks, is Born

1858 – January 0 — John Brown attacks homesteads in Missouri

John Brown raids two homesteads and liberates eleven slaves.

1859 – February 14 — Oregon Joins the Union

Oregon joins the Union as the 33rd state and a free state.

In June, 1858, residents of the territory elected officials as defined by their new constitution. For months the fate of Oregon statehood floated on shifting political coalitions distrustful of changing the fragile balance of power in Congress. It was known Oregon would be a free state, yet its newly elected senators–Joseph Lane and Delazon Smith–were proslavery Democrats. Finally, Congress acted and on February 14, 1859, President Buchanan signed the bill. Oregon joined the federal union.

1859 – July 3 — John Brown Arrives Rents a House Outside of Harper’s Ferry

John Brown rents a home a few miles outside of Harper’s Ferry.

1859 – August 16 — John Brown Meets with Frederick Douglass

John Brown secretly meets with Frederick Douglass at a rock quarry in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Brown tries to convince Douglass to join him in the pending raid on the Federal arsenal.

1859 – October 16 — John Brown Attacks the Federal arsenal at Harper’s Ferry

John Brown leads a group of armed abolitionists on a raid of the Federal arsenal at Harper’s Ferry.

1859 – October 18 — Federal Troops Storm the Arsenal at Harper’s Ferry

Federal Troops led by Robert E. Lee storm the Federal arsenal and capture John Brown.

1859 – November 2 — John Brown is Hanged in Charlestown, Virginia

John Brown is Hanged in Charlestown, Virginia.

1860 – January 26 — Louisiana Secedes from the Union

Louisiana votes to secede from the Union on January 26, 1860. It is the sixth state to secede.

1860 – November 6 — Abraham Lincoln Elected President

Abraham Lincoln was elected the sixteenth President of the United States.

On this date in 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected President. He won the election with a majority of the votes in the electoral college, but not the popular vote. He did not win a single electoral vote from the South, which supported pro-slavery candidate John C. Breckenridge of Kentucky. Breckenridge was the vice president to James Buchanan, who was leaving office, and the leader of the Southern branch of the Democratic Party. The Northern branch was lead by Illinois Senator Stephen Douglas, who also ran for President. Although Northerners were generally pleased that Lincoln had been elected, abolitionists did not feel that his stance on slavery was strong enough. Abolitionist Wendell Phillips wrote, “Not an abolitionist, hardly an antislavery man, Mr. Lincoln consents to represent an antislavery idea. A pawn on the political chessboard, his value is his position; with fair effort, we may soon charge him for knight, bishop, or queen.” Horace Greeley, the Republican editor of the New York Tribune, praised Lincoln, saying, “His career proves our doctrine sound. He is Republicanism embodied and exemplified. Born in the very humblest Whig stratum of society, reared in poverty, earning his own livelihood from a tender age by the rudest and least recompensed labor…pickup up his education as he might by the evening firelight of rude log cabins…and so gradually working his way upward to knowledge, capacity, esteem, influence, competency…his life as an invincible attestation of the superiority of Free Society, as his election will be its crowning triumph." In the South, it became evident that the mood was grim. The Atlanta Confederacy wrote, “Let the consequences be what they may – whether the Potomac is crimsoned in human gore, and Pennsylvania Avenue is paved ten fathoms deep with mangled bodies, or whether the last vestige of liberty is swept from the face of the American continent, the South will never submit to such humiliation and degradation as the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln.”

1860 – December 20 — South Carolina Secedes from the Union

South Carolina holds a state convention and votes to secede from the Union on December 30, 1860. It is the first state to secede.

1860 – December 26 — Union Forces Move to Fort Sumter

Union forces led by Richard Anderson consolidates his forces at Fort Sumter.

1860 – December 26 — Major Robert Anderson, Moves U. S. Troops from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter

1860 – December 30 — South Carolina troops seize the United States Arsenal at Charleston

1861

1861 – January 3 — Georgia Takes Control of Fort Pulaski

On January 3, 1861, the state of Georgia took control of Fort Pulaski on Cockspur Island at the mouth of the Savannah River.

1861 – January 9 — Mississippi Secedes from the Union

The state convention in Mississippi votes to secede from the Union on January 9, 1861. It is the second state to secede from the Union.

1861 – January 10 — Florida secedes from the Union

1861 – January 11 — Alabama Secedes from the Union

Alabama Secedes from the Union on January 11, 1861. It is the fourth state to secede.

1861 – January 11 — Alabama secedes from the Union

1861 – January 19 — Georgia Secedes from the Union

Georgia votes to secede from the Union on January 19, 1861. It is the fifth state to secede.

1861 – January 19 — Battle of Mill Springs

1861 – January 26 — Louisiana secedes from the Union

1861 – January 29 — Kansas admitted to the Union

1861 – April 12 — Confederate Troops Fire on Fort Sumter

Confederate troops led by Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard opened fire on Union forces at Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina.

Confederate forces lead by Brigadier General P.G.T. Beuaregard opened fire on Fort Sumter, under the command of Major Robert Anderson. The firing commenced at 4:30 A.M, effectively beginning the Civil War.

1861 – April 13 — Fort Sumter Surrenders

Union forces surrender Fort Sumter.

Although there are no casualties, Major Anderson surrenders Fort Sumter to Beuaregard. The Confederates bombarded Fort Sumter approximately 4,000 shells for 33 hours.

1861 – April 14 — Union forces evacuate Fort Sumter.

After surrendering Fort Sumter on the previous day, the Union garrison boarded ships and evacuated the site.

After surrendering Fort Sumter on the previous day, the Union garrison boarded ships and evacuated the site. Major Robert Anderson takes the American flag that flew over Fort Sumter with him.

1861 – April 15 — President Abraham Lincoln Calls for Militia

President Lincoln calls for 75,000 volunteers to serve for three months in the Union army, against what he calls an “insurrection.”

1861 – April 17 — Virginia Secedes from the Union

Virginia becomes the 8th state to secede from the Union.

Just a few days after the surrender of Fort Sumter, Virginia becomes the eighth state to secede from the Union.

1861 – April 18 — Federal Troops Evacuate Harper’s Ferry, Virginia

Federal Troops Evacuate Harper’s Ferry, Virginia

1861 – April 19 — 6th Massachusetts is Attacked in Baltimore Maryland

1861 – April 19 — Baltimore Riot of 1861

Confederate sympathizers clashed with members of the Massachusetts militia en route to Washington for Federal service. Four soldiers and twelve civilians were killed in the riot.

Confederate sympathizers clashed with members of the Massachusetts militia en route to Washington for Federal service.  Four soldiers and twelve civilians were killed in the riot.

1861 – April 19 — President Lincoln Authorizes Blockading Southern Ports.

After the fall of Fort Sumter, President Lincoln authorized a naval blockade of all Southern ports, a move advocated by General Winfield Scott as part of the Anaconda Plan.

After the fall of Fort Sumter, President Lincoln authorized a naval blockade of all Southern ports, a move advocated by General Winfield Scott as part of the Anaconda Plan.

1861 – April 20 — Robert E. Lee Resigns from the United States Army

1861 – April 23 — Robert E. Lee Assumes Command of the Virginia State Forces

1861 – April 27 — President Lincoln declares martial law in Maryland and suspends the writ of habeas corpus if necessary to control rebellion.

1861 – April 29 — Second Session of the Confederate Provisional Congress Convenes

1861 – April 30 — Forces led by Colonel Thomas J. Jackson Occupy Harper’s Ferry

1861 – August 6 — Congress passes First Confiscation Act

On August 6, 1861, Congress passed the First Confiscation Act, which allowed the Union army to seize any property, including slaves, used by the Confederacy against Federal forces

1861 – September 3 — Confederates Occupy Columbus, Kentucky.

Confederate General Leonidas Polk commits a major political blunder by occupying Columbus, in the previously neutral state of Kentucky

On September 3, 1861, Confederate General Leonidas Polk commits a major political blunder by dispatching troops to occupy Columbus, Kentucky. Polk’s move violated Kentucky’s avowed neutrality and provided the Unionist legislature with grounds for inviting Federal troops to invade the state.

1861 – December 9 — Congress forms the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War

1861 – December 31 — Battle of Stones River, First Day

1862

1862 – January 10 — Battle of Middle Creek

1862 – February 13 — Congress authorizes the construction of a system of fortifications to protect the District of Columbia from Confederate attack

1862 – April 2 — George McClellan Arrives at Fort Monroe, Virginia

1862 – April 5 — Army of the Potomac Arrives at Yorktown, Virginia

1862 – April 6 — Battle of Shiloh Begins

1862 – April 6 — Albert Sidney Johnston is Killed at Shiloh

1862 – April 7 — Battle of Shiloh Ends

1862 – April 10 — Federal Troops Begin Bombardment of Fort Pulaski

1862 – April 10 — Fort Pulaski Surrenders

1862 – April 12 — James Andrews Leads a Raid on the Western and Atlantic Railroad

1862 – April 16 — South Begins Conscription

President Jefferson Davis signed a conscription act passed by the Confederate that instituted a draft in the South.

1862 – April 25 — New Orleans Falls to Union Troops

1862 – April 29 — Halleck Begins Advance on Corinth, Mississippi

1862 – April 29 — Siege of Corinth Begins

The Siege of Corinth, also known as the First Battle of Corinth or the Battle of Corinth I, was a Union offensive led by Major General Henry Halleck aimed at capturing the vital Confederate rail center at Corinth, Mississippi. Halleck’s operations began on April 29, 1862 when he dispatched 125,000 soldiers from Pittsburg and Hamberg landings in three wings toward Corinth. By May 25, Halleck’s force was close enough to Corinth to begin shelling the Confederate defenses and lay siege to the town. The 65,000 Confederate defenders, commanded by General P.G.T. Beauregard, were running out of water and many of them were wounded or wracked by disease. Outnumbered nearly two to one, Beauregard, realizing how tenuous his position was, evacuated the town and executed an elaborate hoax to save his army. Although Halleck captured Corinth, Beauregard’s army survived to fight another day.

The Siege of Corinth, also known as the First Battle of Corinth or the Battle of Corinth I, was a Union offensive led by Major General Henry Halleck aimed at capturing the vital Confederate rail center at Corinth, Mississippi. Halleck’s operations began on April 29, 1862 when he dispatched 125,000 soldiers from Pittsburg and Hamberg landings in three wings toward Corinth. By May 25, Halleck’s force was close enough to Corinth to begin shelling the Confederate defenses and lay siege to the town. The 65,000 Confederate defenders, commanded by General P.G.T. Beauregard, were running out of water and many of them were wounded or wracked by disease. Outnumbered nearly two to one, Beauregard, realizing how tenuous his position was, evacuated the town and executed an elaborate hoax to save his army. Although Halleck captured Corinth, Beauregard’s army survived to fight another day.<br /> &nbsp;

1862 – May 30 — Siege of Corinth Ends

The Siege of Corinth, also known as the First Battle of Corinth or the Battle of Corinth I, was a Union offensive led by Major General Henry Halleck aimed at capturing the vital Confederate rail center at Corinth, Mississippi.

The Siege of Corinth, also known as the First Battle of Corinth or the Battle of Corinth I, was a Union offensive led by Major General Henry Halleck aimed at capturing the vital Confederate rail center at Corinth, Mississippi. Halleck’s operations began on April 29, 1862 when he dispatched 125,000 soldiers from Pittsburg and Hamberg landings in three wings toward Corinth. By May 25, Halleck’s force was close enough to Corinth to begin shelling the Confederate defenses and lay siege to the town. The 65,000 Confederate defenders, commanded by General P.G.T. Beauregard, were running out of water and many of them were wounded or wracked by disease. Outnumbered nearly two to one, Beauregard, realizing how tenuous his position was, evacuated the town and executed an elaborate hoax to save his army. Although Halleck captured Corinth, Beauregard’s army survived to fight another day.

1862 – July 2 — Congress enacts the “Ironclad Test Oath”

On July 2, 1862, Congress enacted the “Ironclad Test Oath” requiring civil servants and military officers to swear future loyalty to the Union and affirm no previous disloyal conduct. &nbsp;

1862 – July 17 — Congress enacts the Militia Act of 1862

On July 17, 1862, Congress enacted the Militia Act of 1862, authorizing the enlistment of persons of African descent in Union military forces. The act also established drafts in states not able to meet enlistment quotas.

1862 – August 31 — Stonewall Jackson attempts to flank John Pope

Following up on the Confederate victory at the Battle of Bull Run II, Robert E. Lee orders Stonewall Jackson’s troops to march around John Pope’s right flank and cut off the Union retreat to Washington.

Following up on the Confederate victory at the Battle of Bull Run II, Robert E. Lee orders Stonewall Jackson’s troops to march around John Pope’s right flank and cut off the Union retreat to Washington. Jackson’s movement was slow and set the stage for the Battle of Chantilly on September 1.

1862 – September 1 — Battle of Chantilly

Also known as the Battle of Ox Hill, the Battle of Chantilly was fought on September 1, 1862 in Fairfax County, Virginia. The engagement was the last battle of Robert E. Lee’s Northern Virginia Campaign.

Also known as the Battle of Ox Hill, the Battle of Chantilly was fought on September 1, 1862 in Fairfax County, Virginia. Union generals Isaac Stevens and Philip Kearny were killed while trying to dislodge General Stonewall Jackson’s forces about two miles from Jermantown. The engagement was the last battle of Robert E. Lee’s Northern Virginia Campaign.

1862 – September 15 — Stonewall Jackson Captures Harpers Ferry

As the main body of Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia moved north toward Sharpsburg, Maryland and an eventual showdown with George B. McClellan’s Army of the Potomac at the Battle of Antietam, Stonewall Jackson’s Corps captured Harpers Ferry and 12,000 Union soldiers on September 15, 1862.

As the main body of Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia moved north toward Sharpsburg, Maryland and an eventual showdown with George B. McClellan’s Army of the Potomac at the Battle of Antietam, Stonewall Jackson’s Corps captured Harpers Ferry and 12,000 Union soldiers on September 15, 1862.

1862 – September 17 — Battle of Antietam

Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia engaged George B. McClellan’s Army of the Potomac near Sharpsburg, Maryland in the bloodiest single day of fighting in the American Civil War at the Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862.

Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia engaged George B. McClellan’s Army of the Potomac near Sharpsburg, Maryland in the bloodiest single day of fighting in the American Civil War at the Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862.

1862 – December 21 — Battle of Davis Mill in Davis Mill, Mississippi

The 1st and 3rd Battalions of the 5th Regiment, Ohio Cavalry participated in a skirmish with Confederate forces under the command of Sterling Price and Earl Van Dorn.

1862 – December 22 — John Hunt Morgan begins Christmas Raid into Kentucky

1862 – December 26 — Battle of Chickasaw Bayou, First Day

1862 – December 27 — Battle of Chickasaw Bayou, Second Day

1862 – December 28 — Battle of Chickasaw Bayou, Third Day

1862 – December 29 — Battle of Chickasaw Bayou, Fourth and Last Day

1862 – December 31 — USS Monitor sinks off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina

USS Monitor sinks off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina

Fort Marion in St. Augustine, Florida was seized by Florida militia on the morning of January 7, 1861.

1863

1863 – January 1 — Battle of Stones River, Second Day

1863 – January 1 — President Lincoln issues Emancipation Proclamation

1863 – January 2 — Battle of Stones River, Third Day

1863 – January 4 — Confederate General Braxton Bragg begins withdrawing the Army of Tennessee from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, ending the Stones River Campaign

1863 – January 9 — Battle of Arkansas Post, First Day

1863 – January 10 — Battle of Arkansas Post, Second Day

1863 – January 11 — Battle of Arkansas Post, Third Day

1863 – January 26 — General Joseph Hooker Named Commander of the Army of the Potomac

1863 – March 3 — Congress enacts the Conscription Act

On March 1, 1863, Congress enacted the Conscription Act establishing a national draft in all Northern states.

1863 – April 30 — Battle of Chancellorsville Begins

The Battle of Chancellorsville was fought in and around the town of Chancellorsville, Virginia, from April 30 to May 6, 1863.

The Battle of Chancellorsville was fought in and around the town of Chancellorsville, Virginia, from April 30 to May 6, 1863. In what many historians believe to be Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s greatest victory, the Army of Northern Virginia defeated Major General Joseph Hooker’s Army of the Potomac, despite being out-manned nearly 2 to 1. The South, however, suffered a devastating blow when General Stonewall Jackson was mortally wounded by friendly fire during the battle.<br /> &nbsp;

1863 – May 2 — Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson is Shot

On the night of May 2, 1863, during the Battle of Chancellorsville, Jackson rode out on a personal reconnaissance mission beyond his own lines. As he and his staff returned in the dark, they were mistakenly identified as Yankees and fired upon by Confederate pickets.

&nbsp; On the night of May 2, 1863, during the Battle of Chancellorsville, Jackson rode out on a personal reconnaissance mission beyond his own lines. As he and his staff returned in the dark, they were mistakenly identified as Yankees and fired upon by Confederate pickets. Jackson received three bullet wounds, none of which were considered as life threatening. Doctor’s had to amputate Jackson’s left arm and he was evacuated to a local plantation where he developed pneumonia and died on May 10. Reportedly, on the night that Lee learned of Jackson’s death he said, “I have lost my right arm and I’m bleeding at the heart.” Jackson’s body was taken to Richmond for public mourning before he was buried at the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery, Lexington, Virginia.

1863 – May 3 — Second Battle of Fredericksburg

The Second Battle of Fredericksburg, also known as the Second Battle of Marye’s Heights, was fought on May 3, 1663, as a part of the battle of Chancellorsville.

The Second Battle of Fredericksburg, also known as the Second Battle of Marye’s Heights, was fought on May 3, 1663, as a part of the battle of Chancellorsville.

1863 – May 5 — Clement Vallandigham Arrested for Violating General Order Number 38

On May 5, 1863, a company of Union soldiers arrested Vallandigham at his home in Dayton and brought him to Cincinnati to stand trial for violating Union General Ambrose Burnside’s General order Number 38.

&nbsp; On May 5, 1863, a company of Union soldiers arrested Vallandigham at his home in Dayton and brought him to Cincinnati to stand trial for violating Union General Ambrose Burnside’s General order Number 38.<br /> &nbsp;

1863 – May 6 — Battle of Chancellorsville Ends

The Battle of Chancellorsville was fought in and around the town of Chancellorsville, Virginia, from April 30 to May 6, 1863.

The Battle of Chancellorsville was fought in and around the town of Chancellorsville, Virginia, from April 30 to May 6, 1863. In what many historians believe to be Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s greatest victory, the Army of Northern Virginia defeated Major General Joseph Hooker’s Army of the Potomac, despite being out-manned nearly 2 to 1. The South, however, suffered a devastating blow when General Stonewall Jackson was mortally wounded by friendly fire during the battle.

1863 – May 6 — Clement Vallandigham Goes on Trial for Violating General Order Number 38

On May 5, 1863, a company of Union soldiers arrested Vallandigham at his home in Dayton and brought him to Cincinnati to stand trial for violating Union General Ambrose Burnside’s General order Number 38.

Former Ohio Congressman and leading Peace Democrat, Clement Vallandigham was arrested on May 5, 1863&nbsp; for violating Union General Ambrose Burnside’s General Order Number 38. On May 6, Vallandigham was brought before a military tribunal in Cincinnati, where he was denied a writ of habeas corpus.

1863 – May 7 — Military Tribunal Finds Clement Vallandigham Guilty of Violating General Order Number 38

On May 7, a military court found leading Peace Democrat Clement Vallandigham guilty of “uttering disloyal sentiments” and attempting to hinder the prosecution of the war, and sentenced him to 2 years’ confinement in a military prison.

Former Ohio Congressman and leading Peace Democrat, Clement Vallandigham was arrested on May 5, 1863&nbsp; for violating Union General Ambrose Burnside’s General Order Number 38. On May 6, Vallandigham was brought before a military tribunal in Cincinnati, where he was denied a writ of habeas corpus. On May 7, the military court found Vallandigham guilty of “uttering disloyal sentiments” and attempting to hinder the prosecution of the war, and sentenced him to 2 years’ confinement in a military prison.

1863 – May 10 — Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson Dies

Doctor’s had to amputate Jackson’s left arm and he was evacuated to a local plantation where he developed pneumonia and died on May 10.

&nbsp; On the night of May 2, 1863, during the Battle of Chancellorsville, Jackson rode out on a personal reconnaissance mission beyond his own lines. As he and his staff returned in the dark, they were mistakenly identified as Yankees and fired upon by Confederate pickets. Jackson received three bullet wounds, none of which were considered as life threatening. Doctor’s had to amputate Jackson’s left arm and he was evacuated to a local plantation where he developed pneumonia and died on May 10. Reportedly, on the night that Lee learned of Jackson’s death he said, “I have lost my right arm and I’m bleeding at the heart.” Jackson’s body was taken to Richmond for public mourning before he was buried at the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery, Lexington, Virginia.

1863 – May 19 — President Lincoln Commutes Clement Vallandigham’s Prison Sentence

On May 19, 1863, President Lincoln commuted Clement Vallandigham’s prison sentence and directed Ambrose Burnside to send Vallandigham to the headquarters of General Rosecrans, then in Tennessee, from where he was to be sent beyond Union lines into the area occupied by the Confederacy.

&nbsp; On May 19, 1863, President Lincoln commuted Clement Vallandigham’s prison sentence and directed Ambrose Burnside to send Vallandigham to the headquarters of General Rosecrans, then in Tennessee, from where he was to be sent beyond Union lines into the area occupied by the Confederacy.

1863 – 6 29 — President Lincoln Issues “Birchard Letter”

On June 29, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a public letter to M. Birchard and eighteen other Ohio Democrats in which defended the administration’s treatment of antiwar agitators.

&nbsp; &nbsp; On June 29, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a public letter to&nbsp; M. Birchard and eighteen other Ohio Democrats in which defended the administration’s treatment of antiwar agitators. Lincoln offered to release former Ohio Congressman, and leading Peace Democrat,Clement Vallandigham from prison if a majority of those to whom the letter was addressed would make pledges in connection with the prosecution of the Civil War.

1863 – July 1 — Battle of Gettysburg, First Day

1863 – July 2 — Battle of Gettysburg, Second Day

1863 – July 3 — Battle of Gettysburg, Third Day

1863 – July 8 — Morgan’s Raiders enter Indiana.

Brigadier-General John Hunt Morgan led about 2,500 Confederate cavalrymen across the Ohio River into southern Indiana.

Brigadier-General John Hunt Morgan led about 2,500 Confederate cavalrymen across the Ohio River into southern Indiana.

1863 – July 12 — Ohio Governor David Tod calls out the Ohio militia.

Ohio Governor David Tod called out the Ohio militia to protect the southern counties from Confederate Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan’s Raiders. The militia was slow to organize and did not offer any real resistance to Morgan until July 18.

1863 – July 13 — Morgan’s Raiders enter Ohio.

Brigadier-General John Hunt Morgan and about two thousand Confederate cavalrymen entered Ohio from Indiana, near the Hamilton-Butler County line. Morgan’s men destroyed bridges, railroads, and government stores in their path.

1863 – July 14 — Morgan’s Raiders scatter across southwestern Ohio.

Confederate Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan divided his cavalrymen invading Ohio into two groups. The main force traveled through Clermont, Brown, Highland, Pike, and Jackson Counties. A smaller group passed through Warren, Clinton, Fayette, Ross, and Jackson Counties.

1863 – July 18 — Morgan’s Raiders are denied access to the Ohio River at Pomeroy, Ohio.

Confederate Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan led his cavalry toward Pomeroy, Ohio, near the Eight Mile Island Ford, where he intended to cross into West Virginia. The Rebels were denied access to the river and Morgan headed toward the next ford upstream at Buffington Island, some 20 miles to the southeast.

1863 – July 18 — Morgan’s Raiders blocked at Buffington Island.

Seeking to cross the river into Kentucky, Confederate Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan’s Raiders approached a ford of the Ohio River near Buffington Island.&nbsp; The Rebels found that several hundred Ohio militiamen behind a hastily constructed earthwork blocked their path. Instead of pushing forward, Morgan decided to camp for the night to enable his men and horses to rest.

1863 – July 19 — Battle of Buffington Island

After camping near the ford of the Ohio River near Buffington Island on July 18, Confederate Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan planned to cross the river into Kentucky the next day. During the night Federal forces on land and gunboats on the river caught up with Morgan. Surrounded, the Rebels were forced to fight their way out. During the battle around half of Morgan’s cavalry was captured.&nbsp; Morgan and about 700 of his men escaped and headed northeast. About 300 of the Rebels managed to cross the river upstream at an unguarded ford opposite Belleville, West Virginia before Federal gunboats arrived. Morgan led the remaining 400 men into eastern Ohio in quest of an avenue of escape.

1863 – July 26 — Battle of Salineville

After eluding Union forces at the Battle of Buffington Island on July 19, 1863, Confederate Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan and about 400 of his cavalrymen headed into eastern Ohio in search of an escape route back to the South.&nbsp; On July 26, a combined force of about 3,000 Federals caught up with Morgan near Salineville in Columbiana County, Ohio. Morgan tried to fight his way out, but was overwhelmed, losing most of his men. Twenty-three were killed and about 300 were captured. Morgan himself briefly eluded capture until he surrendered near West Point, Ohio, about eight miles from Salineville, at 2 p.m.

1863 – July 26 — Morgan’s Surrender

Confederate Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan surrendered near West Point, Ohio, about eight miles from Salineville, at 2 p.m. on July 26.

1863 – November 27 — John Hunt Morgan escapes from Ohio Penitentiary.

On July 26, 1863, Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan and about 400 Confederate cavalrymen were captured in Columbiana County after a daring raid across southern Ohio. Most of Morgan’s men were sent to Cincinnati as prisoners of war. Morgan and several officers, however, were imprisoned in the Ohio Penitentiary in Columbus. On November 27, Morgan and six of his officers escaped from the prison and made their way by train to Cincinnati where Confederate sympathizers helped them cross the Ohio River to safety in Kentucky.

1865

1864 – February 15 — U.S. Supreme Court Issues a Decision Against Clement Vallandigham in the Case of “ex parte Vallandigham”

On February 15, 1864, the Court ruled unanimously in the case of “ex parte Vallandigham” that it had no Constitutional jurisdiction over military courts.

On May 6, 1863, a military court found former Ohio Congressman and leading Peace Democrat, Clement Vallandigham, guilty of violating General Order Number 38. Vallandigham and his supporters appealed to the United States Supreme Court. On February 15, 1864, the Court ruled unanimously in the case of ex parte Vallandigham that it had no Constitutional jurisdiction over military courts.

1864 – April 18 — Battle of Poison Spring

Confederates attacked a Union foraging party in Ouachita County, Arkansas. Many men of the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry were victims of revenge killings by Rebels from the border regions and scalpings by Native Americans in Confederate service whose homes in the Indian Territory had been raided.

Confederates attacked a Union foraging party in Ouachita County, Arkansas. Many men of the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry were victims of revenge killings by Rebels from the border regions and scalpings by Native Americans in Confederate service whose homes in the Indian Territory had been raided.

1864 – May 1 — Clement Vallandigham Delivers Anti-War Speech at Mount Vernon, Ohio

Peace Democrats rallied on May 1, 1863 in Mount Vernon, Ohio. At this gathering, Ohio’s leading Peace Democrats, including Clement Vallandigham, urged attendees to denounce the Union war effort and to protest against Ambrose Burnside’s General Order No. 38.

Peace Democrats rallied on May 1, 1863 in Mount Vernon, Ohio. At this gathering, Ohio’s leading Peace Democrats, including Clement Vallandigham, urged attendees to denounce the Union war effort and to protest against Ambrose Burnside’s General Order No. 38. &nbsp;

1864 – May 7 — Atlanta Campaign Begins

The Atlanta Campaign was an 1864 Union offensive fought in northern Georgia. The campaign began on May 7, 1864 when three Federal armies under the command of Major General William T. Sherman invaded Georgia from the vicinity of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The Atlanta Campaign was an 1864 Union offensive fought in northern Georgia. The campaign began on May 7, 1864 when three Federal armies under the command of Major General William T. Sherman invaded Georgia from the vicinity of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The campaign ended when Confederate General John Bell Hood ordered the Army of Tennessee to evacuate Atlanta on September 1, 1864, enabling Sherman to occupy the city on the next day.

1864 – September 1 — John Bell Hood Evacuates Atlanta

The Atlanta Campaign ended when Confederate General John Bell Hood ordered the Army of Tennessee to evacuate Atlanta on September 1, 1864, enabling Sherman to occupy the city on the next day.

The Atlanta Campaign was an 1864 Union offensive fought in northern Georgia. The campaign began on May 7, 1864 when three Federal armies under the command of Major General William T. Sherman invaded Georgia from the vicinity of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The campaign ended when Confederate General John Bell Hood ordered the Army of Tennessee to evacuate Atlanta on September 1, 1864, enabling Sherman to occupy the city on the next day.

1864 – September 2 — Atlanta Campaign Ends

The Atlanta Campaign ended when Confederate General John Bell Hood ordered the Army of Tennessee to evacuate Atlanta on September 1, 1864, enabling Sherman to occupy the city on the next day.

&nbsp; The Atlanta Campaign was an 1864 Union offensive fought in northern Georgia. The campaign began on May 7, 1864 when three Federal armies under the command of Major General William T. Sherman invaded Georgia from the vicinity of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The campaign ended when Confederate General John Bell Hood ordered the Army of Tennessee to evacuate Atlanta on September 1, 1864, enabling Sherman to occupy the city on the next day.

1864 – September 4 — Confederate General John Hunt Morgan is Killed

Confederate General John Hunt Morgan, the leader of Morgan’s Raid, is killed by Union cavalrymen during a raid on the town of Greenville, Tennessee.

On September 4, 1864, flamboyant Confederate General John Hunt Morgan was killed by Union cavalrymen during a raid on the town of Greenville, Tennessee.&nbsp; The year before, Morgan led a spectacular raid through southern Indiana and Ohio before being captured and incarcerated in the Ohio Penitentiary in Columbus. Morgan later tunneled his way out of prison and escaped back to the South.

1864 – December 21 — Union General William T. Sherman’s troops occupy Savannah, Georgia

1864 – December 22 — Union General William T. Sherman presents the city of Savannah, Georgia, to President Lincoln

1865

1865 – April 9 — Robert E. Lee Surrenders

After Federal troops surrounded the Army of Northern Virginia, Robert E. Lee surrendered his beleaguered army to Ulysses S. Grant at the home of Wilmer McLean at Appomattox Court House, Virginia.

1865 – April 12 — Army of Northern Virginia Surrenders

Confederate soldiers stacked their arms and relinquished their battle flags during the official surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House, Virginia.

Confederate soldiers stacked their arms and relinquished their battle flags during the official surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House, Virginia.

1865 – April 14 — Lincoln Assassination

John Wilkes Booth shoots Abraham Lincoln in the head as the President watches a play at Ford’s Theater in Washington. Lincoln died the next morning.

John Wilkes Booth shoots Abraham Lincoln in the head as the President watches a play at Fords Theater in Washington. Lincoln died the next morning. A manhunt ensued for Booth and the co-conspirators, who also planned and executed attacks on other members of the President’s cabinet. Although the plan was not carried out completely, Lewis Powell was able to attack Secretary of State William H. Seward.

1865 – April 15 — President Lincoln Dies

Abraham Lincoln died at 7:22 a.m. from wounds received when assassin John Wilkes Booth fired a bullet into the back of his head the night before.

After he was shot in the head by John Wilkes Booth the previous night, Abraham Lincoln died at 7:22 a.m. from the wound at William Peterson’s boarding house. The Peterson House is across the street from Ford’s Theater, where the President and Mrs. Lincoln had been attending a play. At the time of his death, Lincoln was 56 years old. After he was pronounced dead, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton supposedly uttered the famous words, “Now he belongs to the ages.”

1865 – April 18 — Abraham Lincoln Lies in State

Three days after dying from a bullet wound to the head inflicted by assassin John Wilkes Booth, President Lincoln laid in state at the White House for dignitaries.

Three days after dying from a bullet wound to the head inflicted by assassin John Wilkes Booth, President Lincoln laid in state at the White House for dignitaries.

1865 – April 19 — Abraham Lincoln’s Funeral

After being assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, President Abraham Lincoln’s funeral was held at the White House.

After being assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, President Abraham Lincoln’s funeral was held at the White House.

1865 – April 20 — President Lincoln’s Casket Lies in State at the U.S. Capitol

President Lincoln’s laid in state at the U.S. Capitol, where an estimated 25,000 visitors paid their last respects.

Reconstruction

1869 – December 24 — Secretary of War, Edwin McMasters Stanton Dies

1877 – December 28 — George Wythe McCook, of Ohio’s Fighting McCooks, Dies