21st July 1861: First Battle of Bull Run, the first major battle of the American Civil War, takes place in Virginia

Union troops, facing increasing resistance and mounting casualties, began to retreat in what soon turned into a disorganised rout.

13th May 1861: Queen Victoria issues a “Proclamation of Neutrality” concerning the American Civil War

Britain’s declaration of neutrality recognised the Union and the Confederacy as belligerents, allowing the Confederacy to contract for supplies and commission warships, but it fell short of recognising the Confederacy as a sovereign nation. This protected British interests by avoiding entanglement in the conflict while maintaining the country’s right to trade with both the Union and the Confederacy.

15th April 1861: President Abraham Lincoln calls for 75,000 volunteer soldiers to suppress the growing insurrection in the southern states

Lincoln’s call for volunteers was part of his effort to maintain the authority of the federal government after several southern states seceded from the Union.

1st February 1861: Texas declares its secession from the United States after a convention votes overwhelmingly in favour

Elected representatives assembled in Austin on January 28, 1861, and four days later on 1 February the convention voted 166 to 8 in favour of secession. The decision was confirmed through a state-wide referendum on 23 February.

15th November 1864: Sherman’s March to the Sea begins when the Civil War Union General leads his troops from Atlanta, GA, to the port of Savannah

Sherman’s March to the Sea is remembered for brutal tactics that confiscated or destroyed food, livestock, and supplies. Railroads were dismantled, and industry disrupted. The devastation was widespread, and not only limited to military targets. Homes, farms, and civilian infrastructure became casualties of the march.