April 12, 1861: The Confederate States of America attacks the United States Army's Fort Sumter installation, triggering a declaration of war by the United States government. May 3, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a Presidential Decree to conscript about 120,000 soldiers to fight the Confederacy. June 21, 1861: The United States is defeated at the Battle of Bull Run and retreats towards the Potomac. July 3, 1861: The Confederate States of America begins the Siege of Washington D.C. August 30, 1861: The Second Battle of Lexington begins, as well as the Battle of Louisville. But nobody cared.