Civil War Quiz: What Do You Know About the Attack on Fort Sumter?

Q#1 – Fort Sumter is a sea fort in the harbor of Charleston, South Carolina. Was it constructed on a real or artificial island?

Q#2 – Why was the fort originally built?

Q#3 – We all know that the Confederates attacked Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, and eventually captured it. There was a second battle fought there; when was that and what was the result?

Q#4 – On December 26, 1860, only six days after South Carolina seceded from the Union, U.S. Army Major Robert Anderson abandoned what fort and transferred his command to Fort Sumter?

Q#5 – The attack on Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, has traditionally signaled the start of the Civil War because the first shots were fired. This is incorrect. When were the first shots fired as they relate to Fort Sumter and what were the circumstances?

Q#6 – After realizing that Major Robert Anderson’s command on Fort Sumter would run out of food by April 15, 1861, President Lincoln ordered a fleet of ships to attempt entry into Charleston Harbor and supply Fort Sumter. Who commanded this fleet?

Q#7 – What was the name of the Confederate fort that fired the first cannon shots at Fort Sumter?

Q#8 – Edmund Ruffin, noted Virginian agronomist and secessionist, claimed that he fired the first shot on Fort Sumter and his story has been widely believed. But who actually fired the first shots?

Q#9 – What was the reason that only solid iron balls could be used by the Union cannons in Fort Sumter against the Confederate batteries?

Q#10 – During the attack, the Union colors fell inside the fort. What was the name of he Union officer who risked his life to put them back up?

Q#11 – How many deaths were attributed to events at Fort Sumter?

Q#12 – Where were the Union soldiers transported after the surrender of Fort Sumter?

Q#13 – We all know that President Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865, But, what significant event occurred earlier that day at Fort Sumter?

Q#14 – After the Civil War ended, what was done to Fort Sumter?

Q#15 – One hundred and forty-seven years after it was sent, a rolled up telegraphic message was found and eventually given to a museum in Charleston, S.C. The telegram was dated April 14, 1861, from the Governor of South Carolina to Gazaway Bugg Lamar in New York. In part, what did the telegram state?

Civil War Quiz: What Do You Know About Little Known Civil War Trivia?

Q#1 – What percentage of the population of the United States died in the U.S. Civil War?

Q#2 – What Union spy worked as a servant in the Confederate White House?

Q#3 – Who was the first black war correspondent?

Q#4 – Who was the only U.S. President to serve the Confederacy during the Civil War?

Q#5 – African Americans made up what percent of the Union army?

Q#6 – What Confederate spy was known as the “Siren of Shenandoah”?

Q#7 – Who was the youngest general in the Civil War? For the person or persons who get this one correct, you can pick out a book from the raffle.

Q#8 – Jefferson Davis believed the death of what Confederate general was the turning point in the Civil War?

Q#9 – What type of pet did General Robert E. Lee keep with him during the Civil War?

Q#10 – What did Civil War veteran John Stith Pemberton invent?

Q#11 – Who blamed Sir Walter Scott for the American Civil War?

Q#12 – How much were Union privates paid per month during the Civil War?

Q#13 – Who was the first Union general to be killed in action?

Q#14 – What Civil War figure defined an honest politician as one who “once bought, stays bought”?

Q#15 – What was the longest single battle of the American Civil War?

Civil War Quiz: What Do You Know About the Underground Railroad?

Q#1 – What Federal law passed in the late 18th Century spurred the birth of the Underground Railroad?

Q#2 – What were the origins of the Underground Railroad?

Q#3 – What man is sometimes called “The Father of the Underground Railroad”?

Q#4 – The Underground Railroad was not a real railroad with locomotives and train cars. What did it consist of?

Q#5 – There were four main routes that the enslaved could follow: what were they?

Q#6 – The Underground Railroad operated mainly in the Free States. How did slaves get to the Underground Railroad?

Q#7 – What was the role of “Conductors” on The Underground Railroad?

Q#8 – What was the role of “Stockholders “on The Underground Railroad?”

Q#9 – Many biblical references were used as secret code terms for the Underground Railroad. What did the term “Promised Land” refer to? What did the term “River Jordan” refer to?

Q#10 – What facility was deemed the “Chief Place Of Entry” for slaves seeking to enter Canada?

Q#11 – Which Canadian province ended up with the largest group fugitives?

Q#12 – Upon arriving in Canada, what did most fugitive slaves encounter?

Q#13 – Operators of the Underground Railroad faced their own dangers – what were some of the major ones?

Q#14 – How many slaves actually escaped to a new life in the North, in Canada, Florida or Mexico?

Q#15 – Following the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution outlawing slavery, what happened to the Underground Railroad?

Civil War Quiz: What Do You Know About the Union Naval Blockade?

Q#1 – Which came first: the naval blockade of the South or the Anaconda Plan?

Q#2 – At the beginning of the war, President Lincoln considered issuing an executive order closing for commercial purposes all harbors and ports under Confederate control. Why did the government of England prefer that Lincoln issue a naval blockade versus the closing of ports?

Q#3 – What was the name of the US Secretary of the Navy who was placed in charge of setting up the Union blockade of the South and what nickname was given to him by President Lincoln?

Q#4 – What was the name of the Confederate Secretary of the Navy who was charged with breaking the Union blockade?

Q#5 – What two foreign ports were used extensively by blockade runners as cargo transfer points?

Q#6 – What were the names of the three Union commands that made up the blockading fleet and where were they located?

Q#7 – Initially, the Confederate government relied on issuing “Letters of Marque” to privateers to break the Union blockade. What was the name of the first Confederate approved privateer?

Q#8 – In December 1861, what action did the Union Navy take to blockade the port of Charleston, SC?

Q#9 – What famous racing yacht took an active role in the Union blockade off the Charleston, South Carolina coast?

Q#10 – The captain of a Confederate blockade runner could earn how much money for each successful voyage?

Q#11 – What English city built many of the Confederate naval vessels including the Alabama?

Q#12 – How many Union ships of any type is the Confederate warship CSS Alabama credited with capturing?

Q#13 – As the Union fleet grew in size, speed and sophistication, more ports came under Federal control. After 1862, which three ports remained open for the blockade runners still in business?

Q#14 – On June 19, 1864, the Confederate warship CSS Alabama was sunk by the Union warship USS Kearsarge near the port of Cherbourg, France. Despite the superior gunnery displayed by Kearsarge and the deteriorated state of Alabama’s contaminated powder and fuses, what event prevented a possible battle victory for the CSS Alabama?

Q#15 – By the end of the Civil War how many Confederate blockade runners were either captured or destroyed?

Civil War Quiz: What Do You Know About Unusual or Unique Battles and Engagements of the Civil War?

Q#1 — This is considered to be the northernmost land action of the civil war. Name the town and state where it occurred.

Q#2 — What is unique about the Battle of Athens that occurred on Aug. 5, 1861?

Q#3 — What was the last battle of the Civil War?

Q#4 — This is considered to be the westernmost battle of the Civil War. Name it.

Q#5 — This famous frontiersman commanded Union troops at the 1864 Battle of Canyon de Chelly, the only Civil War battle fought against the Navajo. Name him.

Q#6 — This battle, part of Morgan’s raid, was the largest battle in Ohio during the Civil War. Name it.

Q#7 — Cavalry raids were common in the Civil War. Union Colonel Abel Streight’s raid depended on an animal other than a horse. What was the animal?

Q#8 — What battle had the most one day casualties in the Civil War and what was he number of casualties?

Q#9 — What battle had the most total casualties in the Civil War and what was the number of casualties?

Q#10 — The siege of Petersburg saw the first use of Gatling guns in combat. How were these weapons obtained?

Q#11 — This engagement was unique in the fact that white soldiers were the minority in both fighting forces. Native Americans made up a significant portion of each of the opposing armies and the Union force contained African-American units. Name the battle.

Q#12 — This battle is considered to be the first organized land action of the war, though generally viewed as a skirmish rather than a battle. Name it.

Q#13 — This battle prominently featured an acoustic shadow which prevented a Union attack. Name it.

Q#14 — This battle saw the only lancer charge of the Civil War. Name it and described the outcome.

Q#15 — This battle saw an attack on entrenched Confederate lines by a Union Navy “boarding party” of 1,600 sailors and 400 marines armed with revolvers and cutlasses. Name it.

Civil War Quiz: What Do You Know About England’s and France’s Involvement in the Civil War?

FRANCE

Q#1 – What was the Second French Empire official position on the Civil War?

Q#2 – What was a major economic factor that was pushing France to recognize the Confederacy?

Q#3 – What was a major factor regarding any French decision to recognize the Confederacy?

Q#4 – What warning did the US Government issue to France regarding the Civil War?

Q#5 – What population factions in France tended to support the Confederacy?

Q#6 – What population factions in France tended to support the Union?

Q#7 – What action did the French government take regarding the sale of the ironclad CSS Stonewall that was built in France?

ENGLAND

Q#8 – Overall, what was England’s official position on the Civil War?

Q#9 – What tactic was employed early in 1861 by Confederate President Jefferson Davis in an effort to get England to recognize and support the Confederacy?

Q#10 – What impact did the Union blockade of the South have on England and what action was taken as a result?

Q#11 – Generally, what was British public opinion on the Civil War?

Q#12 – What was the Trent Affair?

Q#13 – What became known as the “Alabama Claims”?

Q#14 – What were the positions of the three members of the English Cabinet, Chancellor of the Exchequer William E Gladstone, Foreign Minister Lord Russell, and Prime Minister Lord Palmerston regarding involvement in the Civil War?

Q#15 – What military action during the Civil War pretty much sealed England’s decision not to support the Confederacy?

Civil War Quiz: What Do You Know About Generals Killed During The Civil War?

Q#1 — This general was killed on April 2, 1865 by a Union soldier, Corporal John W. Mauck of the 138th Pennsylvania. Name him.

Q#2 — After his death his old West Point classmate John Bell Hood paid a warm tribute to his character. He was the second-highest-ranking Union officer killed in action during the war. Name him.

Q#3 — This Civil War battle started disastrously for the Confederates as the general commanding the right wing and his second in command were killed very early in the engagement. Name the battle and the generals.

Q#4 — Generals Robert S. Garnett and Felix Kirk Zollicoffer have this distinction. What is it?

Q#5 — What were the circumstances of Union General W. H. L. Wallace’s death?

Q#6 — This Confederate general was killed at the Battle of Yellow Tavern. Name him.

Q#7 — Two of Pickett’s three brigade commanders were killed during Pickett’s charge. Name them.

Q#8 — This Confederate general uttered the phrase “There is Jackson standing like a stone wall,” leading to Stonewall Jackson’s nickname but was mortally wounded shortly thereafter. Name him.

Q#9 — He was the first Union general to die in the Civil War. Name him.

Q#10 — Killed by a sniper, among his last words were “They couldn’t hit an elephant at this distance.” Name him.

Q#11 — He was the highest-ranking officer, Union or Confederate, killed during the entire war. Name him.

Q#12 — This Confederate general was killed by a Federal 3-inch shell at Pine Mountain, Georgia on June 14, 1864. Name him.

Q#13 — Union general John F. Reynolds was killed at the start of the Battle of Gettysburg. Why is his death considered controversial by historians?

Q#14 — This battle saw the deaths of six Confederate generals. Name the battle and the generals.

Q#15 — What were the circumstances of Union General William “Bull” Nelson’s death?

Civil War Quiz: What Do You Know About Joseph “Fighting Joe” Hooker?

Q#1 – Joseph “Fighting Joe” Hooker was born on November 13, 1814. In what town and state was he born?

Q#2 – What American Revolutionary War captain was Joe Hooker the grandson of and named for?

Q#3 – Hooker graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1837, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 1st U.S. Artillery. Out of a class of 50, where did Hooker rank?

Q#4 – During his time in Mexico during the War, his reputation as a ladies’ man earned him what name with the local Mexican girls?

Q#5 – Why did Hooker resign his military commission in 1853?

Q#6 – After leaving the military, Hooker became a farmer and land developer, and ran unsuccessfully for election to represent his region in the state legislature. And from 1859 to 1861, he held a commission as a colonel of a militia unit. What county and state did this occur in?

Q#7 – As still part of a state militia unit, after Hooker witnessed the Union Army defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run, he wrote a letter that complained of military mismanagement, promoted his own qualifications, and requested a commission in the regular Union Army. Who did Hooker send his letter to?

Q#8 – At Antietam, Hooker left the battle early in the morning with what type of wound?

Q#9 – After Fredericksburg and the humiliating Mud March, what was General Ambrose Burnside’s reaction to severe criticism leveled at him by Hooker?

Q#10 – At the Battle of Chancellorsville, what personal event contributed to Hooker’s defeat and subsequent retreat?

Q#11 – During the 1864 Atlanta Campaign under Sherman, Hooker led his XX Corps competently, but asked to be relieved of command before the capture of the Atlanta. Why?

Q#12 – What was Hooker’s role in Lincoln’s funeral procession in Springfield, IL, on May 4th, 1865?

Q#13 – After Leaving the military in 1866, Hooker’s life was marred by poor health. What severe medical event happened to him?

Q#14 – What is the story regarding how Hooker was given the name “Fighting Joe?”

Q#15 – True or False: The term “Hooker” began to be associated with prostitutes because a band of prostitutes that followed Hooker’s division was derisively referred to as “General Hooker’s Army” or “Hooker’s Brigade.”

Civil War Quiz: What Do You Know About Southerners fighting for the North and Northerners fighting for the South?

Q#1 — Frank Crawford Armstrong was a United States Army cavalry officer prior to the Civil War. What made him unique?

Q#2 — This Union general was born in Virginia. In 1860 he was on officer with the US 2nd Cavalry. Unlike many southerner officers he opted to remain with the US Army. In response, his family turned his picture against the wall, destroyed his letters, and never spoke to him again. Name him.

Q#3 — This Confederate general was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At the start of the Civil War his choice to resign his commission in the Union and join the Confederate was due to the influence of his Virginia-born wife and many years of service in the southern states before the war. Name him.

Q#4 — This Virginia native remained loyal to the Union. He reached the rank of lieutenant general. Name him.

Q#5 — Prior to the war, this Confederate general lived in New York city where he served as deputy street commissioner. As military commander of New Orleans, he was heavily criticized for failing to adequately defend the city. Name him.

Q#6 — This Confederate admiral resigned his commission on April 22, 1861, expecting his home state of Maryland to eventually secede. When that didn’t happen, he tried to recall his resignation, but U.S. Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles said he did not want traitors or half-hearted patriots in his navy and refused to reinstate him. He then joined the Confederate navy. Name him.

Q#7 — This senator was the only sitting senator from a Confederate state who did not resign his seat upon learning of his state’s secession. He later joined the Lincoln administration. Name him.

Q#8 — This Confederate state furnished the most units of soldiers for the Union Army than any other state within the Confederacy, totaling approximately 31,092 white troops and 20,133 black troops. Name the state.

Q#9 — This western state raised 17 regiments for the Union. However, about 1,000 of its residents fought for the south. Name the state.

Q#10 — This woman, prominent during the war in her support for the Union, was born in Kentucky and had several of her half-brothers serving in the Confederate Army and were killed in action, and one brother serving the Confederacy as a surgeon. Name her.

Q#11 — Although born in Augusta, Georgia, he strongly opposed secession and supported the Union. He served as Quartermaster General of the U.S. Army during and after the American Civil War. Name him.

Q#12 — Sam Houston was governor of Texas when a Texas political convention voted to secede from the United States on February 1, 1861. What did he do next?

Q#13 — In the 1860 presidential election, this Tennessee politician ran as the candidate of the Constitutional Union Party and won 39 electoral votes. In the months following Lincoln’s election, he remained steadfast in his support for the Union but switched to supporting the Confederacy after federal forces invaded Tennessee. Name him.

Q#14 — This officer, who was born in Kentucky, surrendered Fort Sumter to start the Civil War. Name him

Q#15 — This Union admiral was born near Knoxville, Tennessee. He was the first rear admiral, vice admiral, and admiral in the United States Navy. Who was he?

Civil War Quiz: What Do You Know About the Gettysburg Address?

Q#1 – Who invited President Lincoln to speak at Gettysburg?

Q#2 – On the train trip from Washington, D.C., to Gettysburg, Lincoln was accompanied by three members of his Cabinet: William Seward, John Usher, and Montgomery Blair, along with several foreign officials and a man servant. What two other individuals who worked closely with Lincoln also made the trip?

Q#3 – The first page of the speech was written by Lincoln in ink on Executive Mansion stationery. What was the second page written with and on what?

Q#4 – How many words are contained in the Gettysburg Address?

Q#5 – What are the last 18 words of the Gettysburg Address?

Q#6 – Lincoln’s last words in the address were inspired by whom?

Q#7 – On what date and day of the week was the Gettysburg Address given?

Q#8 – Who took the only known and confirmed photograph of Lincoln at Gettysburg?

Q#9 – What was the title of the 13,607-word oration given by Edward Everett that preceded Lincoln’s address?

Q#10 – Regarding the crowd in attendance at the ceremony, what is generally known about their reaction to Lincoln’s address?

Q#11 – In a letter to Lincoln written the following day, Edward Everett praised the President for his eloquent and concise speech, saying, “I should be glad if I could flatter myself that I came as near to the central idea of the occasion, in two hours, as you did in two minutes.” What did Lincoln write back to Everett?

Q#12 – National reaction to the Gettysburg Address was mixed. What was the reaction of the Chicago Times Newspaper?

Q#13 – How many known manuscripts of the Gettysburg Address in Lincoln’s hand are in existence?

Q#14 – Three copies of the address were written by Lincoln for charitable purposes well after the event at Gettysburg. These were given to Edward Everett, George Bancroft, and Alexander Bliss. Who received the other two copies?

Q#15 – What happened to Lincoln on his trip back to Washington, D.C., after the event at Gettysburg?