The Cruelest Month
April 12, 1861 - The American Civil War began as Confederate troops under the command of General Pierre Beauregard opened fire at 4:30 a.m. on Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. The bombardment lasted 34 hours and Confederates used 3000 shells including heated shot targeting the wooden buildings inside the fort.
Fort Sumter after capture by Confederates
April 9, 1865 - After over 500,000 American deaths, the Civil War effectively ended as General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant in the village of Appomattox Court House. The surrender occurred in the home of Wilmer McLean. Terms of the surrender, written by General Grant, allowed Confederates to keep their horses and return home. Enlisted men were required to surrender their weapons and military property. Officers were allowed to keep their swords and side arms.
The McLean House in Appomattox, VA
Compiled by Dana Warren from The History Place , The Battle of Fort Sumter and The Battle of Appomattox Court House