North America 1861: First Battle of Bull Run

Political map of North America & the Caribbean on 21 Jul 1861 (American Civil War: First Battle of Bull Run), showing the following events: Virginia votes to secede; Union blockade declared; Arkansas secedes; Kentucky declares neutrality; North Carolina secedes; Pro-Confederate Missouri governor flees; Tennessee secedes; Battle of Bull Run.

The attack on Fort Sumter aroused southern patriotism and encouraged Virginia, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Tennessee to declare for the Confederacy. With the accession of Virginia, the Confederate government moved to Richmond, a city dangerously close to Washington DC. In an attempt to end the war quickly, the Union marched south on the new Confederate capital but was brought to a halt at the First Battle of Bull Run.

Main Events

17 Apr 1861 Virginia votes to secede

The Virginia convention voted to secede from the Union, pending ratification by the voters.in wikipedia

19 Apr 1861 Union blockade declared

United States President Abraham Lincoln ordered the US Navy to blockade the Confederate States of America.in wikipedia

6 May 1861 Arkansas secedes

Arkansas declared its secession from the Union.in wikipedia

16 May 1861 Kentucky declares neutrality

The Kentucky Legislature passed a resolution declaring the Commonwealth of Kentucky officially neutral in American Civil War.in wikipedia

20 May 1861 North Carolina secedes

North Carolina seceded from the Union and joined the Confederate States of America.in wikipedia

11 Jun 1861 Pro-Confederate Missouri governor flees

Missouri governor Claiborne Jackson and his government were evicted from St. Louis, Missouri, by 2nd Infantry Captain Lyon, after attempting to limit the Union presence.in wikipedia

24 Jun 1861 Tennessee secedes

Tennessee formally seceded from Union, following a June 8 referendum.in wikipedia

21 Jul 1861 Battle of Bull Run

The Union army under Irvin McDowell was repulsed by the Confederate army under P. G. T. Beauregard at Bull Run Creek, Virginia.in wikipedia