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.

12th April 1861: American Civil War begins with the Battle of Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina

After suffering significant damage during the battle from more than 3,000 artillery rounds over 34 hours, at 2:30 p.m the following day Major Anderson and his men formally surrendered, and the Confederate forces took control of Fort Sumter.

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.