What was the U.S. population at the start of the Civil War?
The U.S. population in 1861, the start of the Civil War, was small in comparison to today: just over 30 million Americans. More than 600,000 Americans would be killed over the next four years, and more than 500,000 wounded.
What was the first state to secede from the Union?
South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union. It did so after Abraham Lincoln won the presidential election in 1860.
Where did the fighting begin?
The attack by confederate troops on Ft. Sumpter in South Carolina on April 12 marked the start of the war. President Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers to put down the rebellion. The Battle of Bull Run, in July 1861, was the first major battle. Hundreds of well-to-do civilians, who believed Union troops would quickly put an end to the Rebels, actually attended the first battle as spectators. They even hired caterers to make elaborate picnic baskets! Unfortunately for them, the Confederates gained the upper hand in the battle and sent Union troops running. Several spectators were captured by Confederate troops.
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