Emancipation Proclamation
Lincoln issues the final Emancipation Proclamation
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
1863 in United States of America
Explore 46 historical events and records for United States of America in 1863.
Historical records for United States of America in 1863
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 40 of 46 unique records.
46Unique records
1 of 2Page
27Named events on this page
11Named people on this page
12Places on this page
January
Emancipation Proclamation
Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation freeing enslaved people in rebellious areas
Foreign Neutrality
Emancipation policy makes foreign recognition of the Confederacy less likely
Slavery
Emancipation Proclamation changes the Civil War into a war for Union and freedom
Siege of Vicksburg
Attempts to capture Vicksburg but fails
February
National Banking Act
The National Banking Act creates federally chartered banks and a uniform banknote system.
March
Idaho Territory
Lincoln signs legislation organizing Idaho Territory
National Academy of Sciences
Lincoln signs the act incorporating the National Academy of Sciences
Thanksgiving Proclamation
Lincoln issues a proclamation establishing a national Thanksgiving observance
May
Death of Thomas Jonathan Stonewall Jackson
Accidentally killed by one of his soldiers bullets
Siege of Vicksburg
Takes command of the siege. A Confederate communications centre 235 miles North of New Orleans
Siege of Vicksburg
Fails for a 2nd time to capture Vicksburg, Grant takes personal command of the siege
June
Battle of Cold Harbor
1-12 June, sees General Lee delay General Grants advance into Virginia
Battle of Brandy Station
The only purely cavalry Battle of the war. Stuarts lines are attacked by General Pleasanton but hold out
July
Battle of Gettysburg
1-4 July, Union victory marking the turning point of the war
Battle of Vicksburg, 2nd
Vicksburg surrenders to the Unionists under Grant
Capture of Vicksburg
Captures Vicksburg
Result of Surrender of Pemberton's Confederate Army at Vicksburg
Vicksburg falls to Union control, giving the Union command of a crucial section of the Mississippi River.
Siege of Vicksburg
Vicksburg surrenders to the Unionists under Grant. Accepts Confederate surrender under Lt General Pemberton
Siege of Vicksburg
Surrenders Vicksburg to the Unionists with 25,000 & 90 guns
Siege of Vicksburg
Surrenders Confederate forces to the Union forces under General Grant
Surrender of Pemberton's Confederate Army at Vicksburg
Accepts Confederate surrender under Lt General Pemberton
August
Annual Message to Congress
Lincoln sends his third annual message to Congress
Ten Percent Plan
Lincoln announces a reconstruction plan for loyal governments in former Confederate states
September
Capture of Atlanta
Marches the Unionists through Georgia & takes Atlanta 1 Sept & Savannah 22 Dec
Siege of Atlanta
Marches the Unionists through Georgia & takes Atlanta 1 Sept & Savannah 22 Dec
November
Battle of Chattanooga
Union troops capture Missionary Ridge during the Battle of Chattanooga
December
Capture of Savanah
Marches the Unionists through Georgia & takes Atlanta 1 Sept & Savannah 22 Dec
Siege of Savannah
Marches the Unionists through Georgia & takes Atlanta 1 Sept & Savannah 22 Dec
Other events (month unknown)
Arizona Territory
Lincoln signs legislation organizing Arizona Territory
Comptroller of the Currency
National Banking Act creates the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
National Banking Act
Lincoln signs the National Banking Act creating a system of national banks
West Virginia Statehood
West Virginia becomes the 35th state of the Union
Gettysburg Address
Lincoln arrives in Gettysburg before the cemetery dedication ceremony
Gettysburg Address
Lincoln attends the dedication of the Soldiers National Cemetery at Gettysburg
Gettysburg Address
Lincoln calls for a new birth of freedom and renewed dedication to preserving the Union
Gettysburg Address
Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Soldiers National Cemetery
Gettysburg Address
Lincoln honors Union dead and links their sacrifice to the survival of democratic government
Gettysburg Address
Lincoln redefines the Civil War as a struggle for Union and a new birth of freedom
Gettysburg Address
Lincoln speaks after Edward Everett at the Gettysburg cemetery dedication ceremony
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.