Section #1 - The American Civil War: 1861-65
Chapter 8: Relatively Few Significant Engagements Occur in 1861
The war begins slowly but with the South enjoying the early upper hand.
Fighting in 1861
| 1861 | Battle | State | Winner | K/W/C | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 12-13 | Ft. Sumter | Va | CSA | 1 | War becomes inevitable |
| July 11 | Rich Mountain | Va | USA | 350 | First notice of George McClellan |
| July 21 | First Bull Run | Va | CSA | 3,700 | End of hope for quick Union victory |
| August 10 | Wilson’s Creek | MO | CSA | 2,550 | Missouri still in play after CSA win |
| October 21 | Ball’s Bluff | Va | CSA | 1,125 | Lincoln’s friend Baker killed |
| November 7 | Belmont | Ky | Draw | 1,250 | US Grant’s first combat test |
| December 20 | Dranesville | Va | USA | 250 | Ord defeats Jeb Stuart |