African Americans in the Civil War A Timeline

Beginning of the War

November 6, 1860 Secession December 10, 1860: South Carolina secedes Abraham Lincoln is elected president. December 10, 1860: South Carolina secedes

1861: The President’s Position Lincoln is sworn in as president. In his first inaugural speech Lincoln states: “I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so.” Lincoln has no plans to free the slaves.

1861: Contraband Order General Butler declares slaves who come near Fort Monroe "contrabands of war." Slaves are not people, they are property therefore they may be confiscated

1861: Congress’ Position Congress issues a “Joint Resolution on the War.” It declares that the war is being fought save the Union not to end slavery. Congress passes the "Confiscation Acts." This forgives slaves who fought or worked for the Confederate Army. It also releases them of further duty to their masters. It authorized Union forces to seize “rebel property,” or slaves.

1861: First Attempt at Emancipation General Fremont gives freedom to all slaves owned by Confederates in Missouri. Lincoln later changes the General’s orders. He removes Fremont from command.

Emancipation

1862: Emancipation with Compensation Lincoln changes his mind. He wants to end slavery. He asks Congress to help him to end slavery. The government will pay for any slave owners free. Congress passes a joint resolution declaring it will give money to states if they want to abolish slavery.

1862 : Emancipation Proclamation Sept: The U.S. Wins the Battle of Antietam Oct: The Emancipation Proclamation is announced.

January 1, 1863 The Emancipation Proclamation takes effect. President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation declares that all slaves in Confederate states will be free.

Recruitment

1862: 1st Troops The 1st Regiment Louisiana Native Guards, becomes the first black regiment to be officially put into the Union Army.

Frederick Douglass Frederick Douglass writes “Men of Color, To Arms!” urging African Americans to join the Army. “…The case is before you. This is our golden opportunity. Let us accept it, and forever wipe out the dark reproaches unsparingly hurled against us by our enemies. Let us win for ourselves the gratitude of our country, and the best blessings of our posterity through all time…”

1863: Order 143 General Order 143 creates the Bureau of Colored Troops. It is created to recruit and organize black regiments. Three or more white officers will be in charge of each black regiment. Eight Black regiments take part in the successful attack on Port Hudson, Louisiana.

1863: 54th Massachusetts 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry leads the attack on Fort Wagner, South Carolina. They lose half their troops.

Confederate Response

1864: Ft. Pillow Massacre Confederate General Nathan Forrest captures Fort Pillow in Tennessee. There were 262 African American and 295 white soldiers. Only 62 of the black soldiers live. The Confederates killed most of the garrison after it surrendered. They buried Black soldiers alive.They set fire to tents containing Union wounded. Forrest later becomes the first leader of the Ku Klux Klan.

1864: Poison Spring At Poison Spring, Arkansas, members of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers who are wounded or wish to surrender are shot by the Confederates.

1865: Civil War Ends Over 186,000 African-Americans had served in the Union army More than 38,000 had died.