National Park Service Sesquicentennial Commemoration
One hundred and fifty years after it was contested, the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover, discuss, and commemorate America's greatest national crisis, and explore its enduring relevance in the 21st century.
Library of Congress
Coming up in 2012
April - Battle of Shiloh
The April 6-7, 1862, battle that raged around Shiloh Church and Pittsburg Landing was the largest engagement in the Mississippi Valley campaign. Shiloh National Military Park will offer Ranger-led battlefield hikes and present a "Grand Illumination" on April 7, with luminaries placed around the battlefield to represent each casualty of the battle.
September - Battle of Antietam
The bloodiest one day battle in American history saw 23,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing after 12 hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862. Antietam National Battlefield is planning tours, hikes, children's activities, living history, guest lecture, and memorial ceremonies, part of a regional effort to commemorate the entire Maryland Campaign of 1862.
Library of Congress
What Did I Miss?
July 2011 - First Battle of Manassas, Virginia
On July 21, 1861, two armies clashed for the first time on the fields overlooking Bull Run. Heavy fighting swept away any notion of a quick war. 150th anniversary events took place over four days at Manassas National Battlefield Park.
April 2011 - Fort Sumter, South Carolina
Decades of growing strife between North and South erupted in civil war on April 12, 1861, when Confederate artillery opened fire on this Federal fort in Charleston Harbor. One hundred and fifty years later, thousands turned out to remember the first shots of the Civil War at Fort Sumter National Monument.
"Then and Now"
The Civil War set the stage for numerous transformations of the fundamental structure of American society, influencing basic concepts of human and civil rights and equality. Explore some key events of 150 years ago and contrast them with how things have changed - or in some cases, remained the same.
State Commemorations
Many states are planning significant events to commemorate their role in the Civil War.
Last updated: April 18, 2012