Key events in mid April 1862 during the Civil War?

April 8 – Island No. 10 on the Mississippi River finally falls to Union General John Pope.

April 10 - Slavery was abolished in Washington, D.C.

April 11 – Fort Pulaski, on the Savannah River, falls to the Union after severe bombardment.

April 12 – Union spy-agent James J. Andrews leads a raid in north Georgia with a rag-tag band of Union soldiers in an attempt to steal a Confederate locomotive – The General.  A great chase ensues resulting in the capture and hanging of some of the Union soldiers.

April 16 – Confederate Congress, following numerous Western Theater losses in the past three months, issues the first-ever conscription act in American military history. This would be just the first of three Confederate conscription acts.

For more information:

• Read the book: Stealing the General: The Great Locomotive Chase and the First Medal of Honor by Russell Bonds
• For a complete timeline of important events during the American Civil War click here.