Rank Name of Battle Month, Year & Location

Outcome Significant Fact

1 Battle of Fort Sumter

April 1861; Charleston, South Carolina

Confederate By firing on the Unions, the Confederates clarified that they did not see themselves as a part of the United States of America anymore. This started the Civil War, where the Unions would try and win to preserve the United States, despite the Confederates’ objections. Also, because of this action, it can be said that the Confederates started the Civil War. 

2 First Battle of Bull Run

July 1861; Manassas, Virginia

Confederate It is considered to be the “first real major conflict” of the Civil War. This was the very battle that Jackson would not relent and turn back. By doing so, he assisted the South greatly in winning the First Battle of Bull Run. This very battle proved that the Civil War would not end easily and quickly with the Union winning. The First Battle of Bull Run boosted up the South’s confidence, while the North was furiously trying to avenge the South. 

3 Battle of the Monitor and the Merrimack

March 9, 1862; Sewell’s Point, near Hampton Roads, Virginia

The battle between the two ironclad ships ended in a stalemate, or draw. The crew of the Merrimack had to destroy its

Even though it was the first time ever building ironclad's for battle, it ended in a stalemate and showed that both sides were capable of making ships that could do a lot of damage. It led to the

own ship manufacture of warships around the country and in parts of Europe.

4 Battle of Pea Ridge March 1862; Pea Ridge Northwest Arkansas

The Battle of Pea Ridge was

the first decisive victory for the Union troops.

This battle was a very important battle for the

Union in that this battle secured Missouri

for the Union. Also, this battle demoralized Van Dorn to the point

at which he and his army left Arkansas

defenseless. In short, this battle hugely

affected the Union in that they could now focus on expanding

and capturing the rest of the Mississippi

River Valley.5 Battle of Shiloh April 6-7.

1862; Hardin County, Tennessee

A victory for the Union side, although they suffered about 13,000 casualties, 10,000 for the Confederate side. They used really good tactics but that didn't stop so many of their men from dying or getting hurt. It was a tough battle for both sides.

It showed both sides that because there were so many casualties, that the war would not be coming to an end anytime soon. The Confederacy could've taken a very important victory but they lost so many troops so it was not a good battle for anyone.

6 Capture of New Orleans

April 1862; New Orleans, Louisiana

The Union forces led by General Benjamin Butler defeated the Confederate forces.

This battle allowed the Union forces to gain

entrance of the Mississippi River.

Also, because of this very battle, the

Confederate’s flow of supply to the

Mississippi River Valley was cut. This

was a very costly

effect on the Confederates who did not have a surplus of

supplies.7 The Peninsular

CampaignMarch – July 1862; Yorktown, Virginia

Both sides suffered from heavy casualties but in the end, Robert E. Lee took control and caused McClellan to withdraw. So, it is considered a win for the confederacy

George McClellan operated this battle in order to capture the

Confederate capital of Richmond. This battle

was a failure due to General Robert E. Lee.

Also, later in the Peninsula Campaign, Robert E. Lee took

control and defeated the Union in the Seven

Days Battles. This battle was effective in

let the Union know that taking over the

South will not be easy.8 Second Battle of

Bull RunAugust 1862 at Manassas, Virginia

ConfederateThis battle is said to be one of the most “decisive battle in the northern Virginia campaign”. It ended up being a very critical victory to the South as it boosted up their confidence even more, while shattering the Union’s. 

9 Battle of Antietam September 16-18, 1862; near Sharpsburg, Maryland

It is not completely sure who won this battle, but the North had a significant advantage because of its strategy. There were about 23,100 casualties for both sides.It was an extremely huge loss for both sides, and a ton

This battle forced the Confederate army to be pushed all the way back across the Potomac River. This was about the time when Lincoln presented the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862.

of blood was shed.

10 Battle of Fredericksburg

December 1862 in Fredericksburg, Virginia

Confederate It showed that the Union still lacked a good leader to pull them through the Civil War. It was another battle that they had soundly lost, despite their advantages. Lincoln ended up switching generals yet again. The Union’s confidence was not regained yet again.

11 Battle of Chancellorsville

April 30-May 6, 1863; Spotsylvania County, Virginia

Resulted in a Confederate victory, Stonewall Jackson was badly hurt in this battle. This battle was probably Robert E. Lee's greatest.  About 24,000 casualties, 14,000 for Union and 10,000 for the Confederacy.

This battle is considered Lee's greatest victory in the war, he used very well-planned strategies and was able to defeat the Union side with ease. While the Confederate side was proud of its victory, the Union side lost one of its best strategic generals; Stonewall Jackson.

12 The Siege of Vicksburg

May – July 1863; Vicksburg, Mississippi

Union General Grant ordered to fire on Vicksburg from land and water. The constant shooting affected the citizens for more than a month. The Confederate soldier’s daily rations were running short and they finally surrendered. Residents needed to live underground to avoid getting killed. Soldiers and regular people had to eat horses, mules, and even rats.

Confederate soldiers rations were also cut down to one biscuit and one piece of bacon per day.

13 Battle of Gettysburg 

July 1863 at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 

Union This war proved that the Union still had a fighting chance against the Confederates-- perhaps, even a better fighting chance than the Confederates. While the end of this battle boosted up the Union’s assurance that they could win the war, it brought down the Confederate’s confidence to a stand still.

14 The Battle of Chickamauga

September 1863; Chickamauga, Georgia

The Confederate forces defeated the Union forces.

This battle was one of the most drastic Union defeats with the second

highest number of casualties in the war.

After this loss, the Union forces went

back to Chattanooga (where the Battle of

Chattanooga followed). Basically,

the Battle of Chickamauga was

followed by the Battle of Chattanooga.

15 Battle of Wilderness May 5-7, 1864; Spotsylvania and Orange County, Virginia

The battle ended in a draw, but both sides had used their own strategies very well. Grant continued to fight even though there had been a huge fire thought he forest and had injured many of his men. He did not follow the

This battle showed just how dedicated Grant was to advancing against enemy lines to defeat the Confederacy. Instead of retreating, he used strategic tactics to further advance south to the Spotsylvania Court House

other past generals and retreat, instead he went on to advance with his troops. About 29,800 casualties total, 18,000 for the Union and 11,400 for the Confederacy.

16 Battle of Spotsylvania

May 1864; Spotsylvania, Virginia;

Inconclusive Many Union soldiers were killed and Grant notified Lincoln and he moved the Union army down south. The fighting took more than two weeks but the heaviest fighting took place on May 12. Many Northerners protested because there were huge losses of life in the battle.

17 The Siege of Petersburg

June, 1864; Petersburg, Virginia

Union Ulysses S. Grant used repeated the same tactic that was successful in Vicksburg. Lee lost many of his men and soon retreated. Grant wanted Petersburg because he wanted to get the railroad center that transported food to Richmond. He believed that the South would easily surrender; however the attack failed and he laid a siege.

18 The Capture of Atlanta

September 1864; Georgia

Union General James Hood fought with Sherman in a series of battles. With each fight the South’s soldiers decreased. The

Confederate army retreated to Atlanta’s strong defenses and Sherman laid a siege on the city. After a month, the Hood’s forces pulled out and left the city to the Union army.

19 Battle of Cold Harbor

June 1864; Cold Harbor, Virginia

Confederate The Battle of Cold Harbor took place eight miles from Richmond. Grant organized two direct charges on the Confederates but they were behind strong walls. Many Union soldiers died in the first hour.

20 Battle at Nashville Nashville, Tennessee; December 1864

The Union forces defeated the Confederate forces.

This battle ended Southern resistance in Tennessee for the entire Civil War. This ended the Army of Tennessee and also ended the career of John Bell Hood.