|
|
The unconquered Confederacy now consists of North and South Carolina and Alabama.
Union victory that finally isolated Wilmington, the last southern port capable of helping Lee’s army.
Sherman’s army leaves Savannah to begin its march through South Carolina, more significant and longer than his March to the Sea.
Sherman’s army capture Columbia, the state capital of South Carolina.
Final destruction of Early’s army of the Shenandoah by a force led by George Custer.
Confederate delaying action whose main significance was that it told the Confederates that Shermans’ army was split into two wings, with a twelve mile gap.
Confederate attempt to defeat one wing of Sherman’s army before the other wing could come to its assistance. The attempt failed, and two days later Union reinforcements forced a Confederate retreat.
Confederate attack on Fort Stedman in the Richmond/ Petersburg line, repulsed after initial successes. Results in the weakening of the Confederate line to the point where Lee orders the evacuation of the line, and with it Richmond.
A Confederate force guarding a key crossroads was overwhelmed by Sheridan’s cavalry. The defeat showed Grant that the Confederate army was starting to collapse.
Confederate troops evacuate Richmond after a Union attack by both the armies in the area.
Capture of Richmond, the Confederate capitol, and Petersburg, long besieged. Lincoln visits Petersburg then moves on to Richmond.
As Lee’s army begins to dissolve, one quarter of it was cut off by Union forces. 6,000 Confederates surrendered.
With his army dissolving around him, Lee receives a note from Grant asking him to surrender. Lee begins to consider it.
Last attack by Lee’s army, an attempt to break out from Appomattox Courthouse. The failure of the last attack finally persuaded Lee that he has to surrender.
President Lincoln lies in state in the White House.
Jefferson Davis captured in Georgia, on his way to Texas.
200,000 men from the Army of the Potomac and Sherman’s Army of Georgia march in review through Washington.