Timeline, Week 2 of the Civil War: Civil War

Date	Key Events for the Week of April 15, 1861 (War Week 2)
April 15, 1861 Mon	War Begins Lincoln calls on the remaining Union states to provide 75,000 recruits to form militias to suppress the “insurrection” taking place in the South. The term of enlistment is three months. Southern states, including those still loyal to the Union, react in alarm.  (Wagner 6)
17 Wed	Virginia Secedes from the Union In reaction to President Lincoln’s call for the formation of militias, Virginia secedes from the Union.
19 Fri	Blockade In the Union’s first overt act of war, President Lincoln issues orders declaring a blockade of all Confederate ports. (Bowman 52) 6th Massachusetts Attacked by Mob A Baltimore mob attacks 6th Massachusetts Infantry as it passes through town on its way to defend Washington. (New York Times Online, “Disunion”)
20 Sat	Gosport Naval Shipyard, Norfolk, Va. Despite its strategic location, Federal forces abandon the Gosport Naval Yard in Norfolk, Virginia. (Bowman 52) Robert E. Lee resigns his commission in the U.S. Army.