1861:
Anderson is named commander of Department of the Kentucky
Just months after he surrendered Fort Sumter, Union General Robert Anderson is named commander of the Department of the Kentucky.

Born in Kentucky in 1805, Anderson attended West Point and earned distinction in the Black Hawk War of 1832. He also fought in Florida's Seminole War before serving in the Mexican-American War under Winfield Scott. He rose to the rank of major prior to the outbreak of the Civil War. Although he was pro-slavery and pro-South, Anderson remained loyal to the United States.

When Abraham Lincoln won the presidential election in November 1860, tension rose dramatically around Federal installations in the South. Anderson was assigned to command Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor in hopes that a pro-South officer would help smooth tensions with local residents. From the time South Carolina seceded on December 20, 1861, until the Confederates fired on the fort on April 15, 1861, Anderson politely dealt with the Charlestonians in a deteriorating climate. When he surrendered the fort after a 36-hour bombardment, he was hailed a national hero.

Released by Confederates nearly six weeks after the surrender of Fort Sumter, Anderson was promoted to brigadier general. He was given command of the Department of Kentucky and carefully maintained the balance of neutrality in the state. But poor health forced him to resign his command two months later, and William T. Sherman replaced him. Anderson returned to active duty briefly in 1865 to hoist the American flag over Fort Sumter after the Confederate surrender. He died in 1871 and is buried at West Point.

General George McClellan assumes command of the Army of the Potomac


1862:  
Confederate Forces occupy Port Hudson, Louisiana; and will be able to hold it for less than a year. Navy? We don't need no stinkin' Navy!


1863:  
Skirmishes at Hartwood Church and Beverly Ford, Virginia

Skirmish at Bentonville, Arkansas


1864:  
Union raid on the Florida railroad (continues to the 19th)

Engagement at Cedarville and Combats at Deep Run, White's Tavern, on the Charles City Road, Bailey's Creek, Fussell's Mill, and Gravel Hill, Virginia

Skirmish at Carrollton, Arkansas

Skirmishes at Fairburn and Sandtown, Georgia

Skirmish near Charlestwon, West Virginia


Primary sources:
Official Records of the War of the Rebellion
A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion ; by Frederick Dyer;
The Civil War Day By Day: An Almanac 1861-1865 by E. B. Long with Barbara Long;
National Archives Guide Index