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Feb 9, 2023 · The American Civil War was fought from 1861 until 1865. It began after Virginia and ten other states in the southern United States seceded from the Union following the election of Abraham Lincoln as U.S. president in 1860.
Seven slaveholding states seceded following the election. When the United States Army garrison, Fort Sumter in South Carolina, was taken by the Confederates, Lincoln called on all loyal states—Virginia included—for militia to suppress the rebellion.
- Grant’s Ascent in The West, 1861–63
- Lee’s Ascent in The East, 1861–63
- Grant Versus Lee, 1864–65
Grant was awarded command of a regiment of Illinois volunteers in June 1861. Like President Lincoln, he had no interest at that point in ending slavery, only in preserving the United States. Grant commented to Julia about what was at stake, both for the nation and for him personally: "the safety of the country, to some extent, and my reputation and...
A year would pass before the principal Confederate command was awarded to the general whom President Lincoln and his advisers had ranked the best soldier in the nation. Confederate president Jefferson Davis first wanted Lee nearby to advise him. He then sent Lee in a futile effort to save northwestern Virginia (now West Virginia) from falling into ...
In the spring of 1864, Grant arrived in Virginia to test himself against the man who would become his greatest antagonist. Having defeated many U.S. generals, Lee was once again looking for a single victory that might end all hostilities. Grant, however, was unlike anyone Lee had met before. His goal was not Richmond. Grant was determined to destro...
Jun 25, 2024 · The American Civil War had a profound effect on the life of civilians and women living in the areas of conflict, as well as those who had to scrape out a living while family members were at war. The Library's holdings include numerous diaries, ledgers, and letters detailing the effects of the war on the home front.
War came to Virginia shortly after its leaders voted to secede from the United States on April 17, 1861. For the next four years the Old Dominion was the major battleground of the Civil War.
By the beginning of the Civil War, three railroads ran through Lynchburg: Virginia and East Tennessee, Southside, and Orange and Alexandria. Not only was it a rail hub, but it was also an industrial center. Because of this, General Ulysses S. Grant wanted to capture the city for the Union war effort.
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Virginia’s environment – specifically its location on the border with the Union and its physical geography – played an important role in the Civil War. The Confederate capital was moved to Richmond after Virginia seceded in 1861.
