American Civil War Trivia

American Civil War trivia explores the 1861–1865 conflict between the Union and the Confederacy, a war sparked by secession and the defense of slavery after Abraham Lincoln’s election. Its outcome reshaped the nation through Union victory, the collapse of the Confederacy, and the abolition of slavery for four million African Americans.

Easy American Civil War Trivia

13 questions

These easy American Civil War trivia questions are great for beginners and kids around age 12 and under.

Question 1
In what year did the American Civil War begin?
1. A.1865
2. B.1861
3. C.1859
4. D.1863
Answer: 1861
The Civil War began in 1861.
Question 2
What year did the American Civil War come to an end?
1. A.1866
2. B.1865
3. C.1862
4. D.1864
Answer: 1865
The war ended in 1865.
Question 3
Who was president of the United States during the Civil War?
1. A.Abraham Lincoln
2. B.Andrew Johnson
3. C.Jefferson Davis
Answer: Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was the U.S. president during the Civil War.
Question 4
The Civil War was fought between which two sides?
1. A.The Union and Spain
2. B.The North and France
3. C.The Confederacy and Mexico
4. D.Union and Confederacy
Answer: The Union and the Confederacy
The war was fought between the Union and the Confederacy.
Question 5
What city served as the capital of the Confederacy?
1. A.Charleston, South Carolina
2. B.Nashville, Tennessee
3. C.Richmond, Virginia
4. D.Atlanta, Georgia
Answer: Richmond, Virginia
The Confederate capital was Richmond, Virginia.
Question 6
Who served as president of the Confederacy?
1. A.Stonewall Jackson
2. B.Jefferson Davis
3. C.Abraham Lincoln
Answer: Jefferson Davis
Jefferson Davis served is president of the Confederacy.
Question 7
Which fort was attacked in April 1861, starting the war?
1. A.Fort Knox
2. B.Fort McHenry
3. C.Fort Ticonderoga
4. D.Fort Sumter
Answer: Fort Sumter
The attack on Fort Sumter started the war in April 1861.
Question 8
Who commanded the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia?
1. A.Jefferson Davis
2. B.Robert E. Lee
3. C.William Tecumseh Sherman
Answer: Robert E. Lee
General Robert E. Lee commanded the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia.
Question 9
Who became the top Union general in 1864?
1. A.Ulysses S. Grant
2. B.Stonewall Jackson
3. C.Jefferson Davis
Answer: Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant became the top Union general in 1864.
Question 10
Gettysburg, one of the war's best-known battles, was fought in which state?
1. A.Maryland
2. B.Georgia
3. C.Pennsylvania
4. D.Virginia
Answer: Pennsylvania
The Battle of Gettysburg was fought in Pennsylvania in 1863.
Question 11
On what date did the Emancipation Proclamation take effect?
1. A.July 4, 1863
2. B.April 9, 1865
3. C.January 1, 1861
4. D.January 1, 1863
Answer: January 1, 1863
The Emancipation Proclamation took effect on January 1, 1863.
Question 12
Which side won the American Civil War?
1. A.Neither side
2. B.Britain
3. C.Union
4. D.The Confederacy
Answer: The Union
The Union won the Civil War.
Question 13
How many seceded states made up the Confederacy?
1. A.7 states
2. B.9 states
3. C.13 states
4. D.11 states
Answer: 11 states
The Confederacy was made up of 11 seceded states.

American Civil War Family Trivia

12 questions

These family American Civil War trivia questions are built for mixed-age game nights, classrooms, and groups.

Question 1
In what harbor is Fort Sumter located?
Answer: Fort Sumter is located in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina.
Fort Sumter stood in Charleston Harbor in South Carolina.
Question 2
On what date did the Battle of Antietam take place?
Answer: The Battle of Antietam was fought on September 17, 1862.
Antietam was fought on September 17, 1862.
Question 3
Which battle is remembered as the bloodiest single day in American military history?
1. A.Gettysburg
2. B.Shiloh
3. C.Fredericksburg
4. D.Antietam
Answer: The Battle of Antietam.
Antietam holds that distinction in American military history.
Question 4
Gettysburg stretched across three days and ended on what date in 1863?
Answer: The Battle of Gettysburg ended on July 3, 1863.
Gettysburg lasted from July 1 to July 3, 1863.
Question 5
Which city surrendered to Union forces on July 4, 1863?
Answer: Vicksburg surrendered to Union forces on July 4, 1863.
Vicksburg surrendered on Independence Day in 1863.
Question 6
Before sunrise on April 12, 1861, what fort came under fire?
Answer: Fort Sumter came under fire before dawn on April 12, 1861.
The Confederacy fired on Fort Sumter before dawn on April 12, 1861.
Question 7
At what location did the Monitor and Virginia meet in battle?
Answer: Their naval battle took place at Hampton Roads.
The ironclads fought at Hampton Roads.
Question 8
Which Civil War nurse became famous for caring for wounded soldiers?
Answer: Clara Barton became famous for nursing wounded soldiers during the Civil War.
Clara Barton is remembered for her wartime nursing work.
Question 9
Who served the Union as both a scout and a spy?
Answer: Harriet Tubman served the Union as a scout and spy.
Harriet Tubman took on both roles for the Union.
Question 10
In which state was the Battle of Shiloh fought in 1862?
Answer: The Battle of Shiloh was fought in Tennessee.
Shiloh took place in Tennessee in 1862.
Question 11
After Chancellorsville, Stonewall Jackson was accidentally shot by whom?
Answer: Stonewall Jackson was accidentally shot by his own men.
Jackson was accidentally shot by his own men after Chancellorsville.
Question 12
Fredericksburg was fought in which month and year?
Answer: The Battle of Fredericksburg was fought in December 1862.
Fredericksburg took place in December 1862.

Fun American Civil War Trivia

13 questions

These fun American Civil War trivia questions highlight surprising moments and playful facts for game-night groups.

Question 1
Which Union general answered to the compact nickname “Little Mac”?
Answer: General George B. McClellan
George B. McClellan was widely nicknamed “Little Mac.”.
Question 2
At First Bull Run, Thomas J. Jackson picked up what rock-solid nickname?
Answer: Stonewall
Thomas J. Jackson earned the nickname “Stonewall” at First Bull Run.
Question 3
If someone says they’re studying the Battle of Manassas, which more familiar battle name are they talking about?
Answer: The Battle of Bull Run
Bull Run is also called Manassas.
Question 4
Shiloh had a second name on the historical mailbox. What was it?
Answer: Pittsburg Landing
The Battle of Shiloh is also known is the Battle of Pittsburg Landing.
Question 5
True or false: Antietam and Sharpsburg are two labels for the same battle. True or false?
Answer: True
The Battle of Antietam is also called the Battle of Sharpsburg.
Question 6
What Confederate craft made history as the first submarine to sink an enemy warship in combat?
Answer: CSS Hunley
The CSS Hunley became the first submarine to sink an enemy warship in combat.
Question 7
In 1864, the Hunley sent which Union ship to the bottom?
Answer: USS Housatonic
The Hunley sank the USS Housatonic in 1864.
Question 8
The Confederate raider CSS Alabama had an overseas origin story. Where was it built?
Answer: Britain
The CSS Alabama was built in Britain.
Question 9
What speedy communication technology buzzed across the Civil War for both sides?
Answer: The telegraph
Both sides used the telegraph extensively during the Civil War.
Question 10
Even with battles raging, soldiers often kept in touch with family by sending what?
Answer: Letters home
Civil War soldiers often sent letters home by post during campaigns.
Question 11
Which famous photographer turned the Civil War into a lasting visual record?
Answer: Mathew Brady
Mathew Brady became famous for photographing the Civil War.
Question 12
Before drones were even a dream, the Union looked down on battlefields from what inflatable helpers?
Answer: Balloons
Balloons were used for Union aerial observation.
Question 13
Who organized the Union Army Balloon Corps?
Answer: Thaddeus S. C. Lowe
The Union Army Balloon Corps was organized by Thaddeus S. C. Lowe.

Funny American Civil War Trivia

13 questions

These funny American Civil War trivia questions highlight playful moments, odd facts, and inside jokes.

Question 1
Which cavalryman seems to have dressed like he expected a dramatic entrance, complete with a plumed hat and flashy cape?
1. A.Abraham Lincoln
2. B.J.E.B. Stuart was known for wearing
3. C.John Bell Hood
4. D.Ambrose Burnside
Answer: J.E.B. Stuart was known for wearing a plumed hat and flashy cape.
J.E.B. Stuart was known for his plumed hat and flashy cape.
Question 2
Which general gave the English language a grooming souvenir when his distinctive whiskers inspired the word "sideburns"?
1. A.Ambrose Burnside
2. B.J.E.B. Stuart
3. C.John Bell Hood
4. D.William T. Sherman
Answer: General Ambrose Burnside inspired the word "sideburns."
Ambrose Burnside’s distinctive whiskers inspired the term "sideburns.".
Question 3
At which battle did some civilians come from Washington as if they were headed to a battlefield picnic?
1. A.Pea Ridge
2. B.Chickamauga
3. C.First Bull Run
4. D.Cold Harbor
Answer: First Bull Run.
At First Bull Run, some civilians came from Washington to watch the battle like a picnic.
Question 4
How tall was Abraham Lincoln, the man who could probably see over most stovepipe-hat racks?
Answer: About 6 feet 4 inches.
Lincoln was famously tall at about 6 feet 4 inches.
Question 5
Pea Ridge sounds like a side dish, but in what state did the Battle of Pea Ridge take place in 1862?
1. A.Arkansas
2. B.Georgia
3. C.Virginia
4. D.Missouri
Answer: Arkansas.
The Battle of Pea Ridge took place in Arkansas in 1862.
Question 6
Ball’s Bluff sounds almost cheerful until history steps in. In what state was the Battle of Ball’s Bluff fought in 1861?
1. A.Virginia
2. B.Tennessee
3. C.Arkansas
4. D.Georgia
Answer: Virginia.
Ball’s Bluff is a battle fought in Virginia in 1861.
Question 7
If you were trying to find the Battle of Stones River on a map, near which Tennessee town should you look?
1. A.Knoxville
2. B.Chattanooga
3. C.Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
4. D.Nashville
Answer: Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
The Battle of Stones River was fought near Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Question 8
Wilson’s Creek was fought in 1861 in which state, proving creeks can also have historical resumes?
1. A.Missouri
2. B.Virginia
3. C.Arkansas
4. D.Georgia
Answer: Missouri.
The Battle of Wilson’s Creek was fought in Missouri in 1861.
Question 9
Chickamauga was fought in 1863 in which state?
1. A.Tennessee
2. B.Missouri
3. C.Georgia
4. D.Virginia
Answer: Georgia.
The Battle of Chickamauga was fought in Georgia in 1863.
Question 10
What common nickname was used for a Confederate soldier, as if the whole army had agreed on one very specific guy?
1. A.Johnny Reb
2. B.Billy Yank
3. C.Uncle Sam
Answer: Johnny Reb.
"Johnny Reb" was a common nickname for a Confederate soldier.
Question 11
What common nickname was used for a Union soldier?
1. A.Billy Yank
2. B.Johnny Reb
3. C.Brother Jonathan
4. D.Old Abe
Answer: Billy Yank.
"Billy Yank" was a common nickname for a Union soldier.
Question 12
What did soldiers call those famously tooth-testing hard crackers?
1. A.Salt pork
2. B.Corn pone
3. C.hardtack
4. D.Johnnycake
Answer: Hardtack.
Soldiers called hard crackers "hardtack.".
Question 13
Which drink was prized in Union army camps, earning near-sacred status before sunrise?
1. A.Cider
2. B.Lemonade
3. C.coffee
4. D.Tea
Answer: Coffee.
Coffee was a prized drink in Union army camps.

Hard American Civil War Trivia

14 questions

These hard American Civil War trivia questions are for expert fans who want a real challenge.

Question 1
What failed 1860 proposal tried to head off secession and avert the coming Civil War?
Answer: The Crittenden Compromise was the unsuccessful 1860 attempt to avert the Civil War.
The Crittenden Compromise is an unsuccessful attempt to avert the Civil War in 1860.
Question 2
Which 1861 international scare pitted the United States against Britain in a diplomatic crisis?
1. A.Oregon Crisis
2. B.Caroline Affair
3. C.Trent Affair
4. D.XYZ Affair
Answer: The Trent Affair was the 1861 diplomatic crisis between the United States and Britain.
The Trent Affair was the 1861 diplomatic crisis involving the U.S. and Britain.
Question 3
Name the 1862 Confederate victory that still failed to lock down the Southwest for the Confederacy.?
Answer: Glorieta Pass was the Confederate victory in 1862 that did not secure the Southwest for the South.
The Confederate victory at Glorieta Pass in 1862 did not secure the Southwest for the South.
Question 4
Which battle is forever tied to Farragut’s famous line, “Damn the torpedoes”?
1. A.Battle of Fort Fisher
2. B.Mobile Bay
3. C.Battle of New Orleans
4. D.Battle of Hampton Roads
Answer: The Battle of Mobile Bay is remembered for that order.
Mobile Bay is remembered for Farragut’s order, “Damn the torpedoes.”.
Question 5
Which 1862 victory turned Ulysses S. Grant into a national hero?
Answer: The Battle of Fort Donelson made Grant a national hero.
Fort Donelson in 1862 is the battle that made Grant a national hero.
Question 6
Nathan Bedford Forrest’s major 1864 triumph came at Brice’s Cross what?
Answer: Brice’s Cross Roads.
Forrest won a major Confederate victory at Brice’s Cross Roads in 1864.
Question 7
What 1864 battle badly shattered the Confederate Army of Tennessee before its final destruction?
Answer: The Battle of Franklin devastated the Confederate Army of Tennessee.
The Battle of Franklin in 1864 devastated the Confederate Army of Tennessee.
Question 8
Which 1864 battle finished Hood’s army as an effective fighting force?
Answer: The Battle of Nashville destroyed Hood’s army as an effective force.
The Battle of Nashville in 1864 is the event that destroyed Hood’s army as an effective force.
Question 9
Where was the Confederate government formed in February 1861?
Answer: It was formed at Montgomery, Alabama.
The Confederate government was formed at Montgomery, Alabama, in February 1861.
Question 10
What nickname did Union legal-tender paper money earn during the war?
Answer: It was nicknamed greenbacks.
The legal tender paper currency issued by the Union was nicknamed “greenbacks.”.
Question 11
The July 1863 draft riots exploded in which city?
Answer: They erupted in New York City.
The New York City draft riots erupted in July 1863.
Question 12
Which civilian aid organization supported Union soldiers with medical and camp assistance?
Answer: The United States Sanitary Commission aided Union soldiers with medical and camp support.
The United States Sanitary Commission is providing medical and camp support to Union soldiers.
Question 13
Black Union troops launched a notable assault in July 1863 against which fort?
Answer: They attacked Fort Wagner.
Black Union troops attacked Fort Wagner in July 1863.
Question 14
Playful but precise: if you were handed Union paper money and told it wasn’t silver, what wartime nickname would be in your pocket?
Answer: Greenbacks.
Union legal tender paper currency was nicknamed “greenbacks.”.

Download PDF

Get the generated PDF file for printing, classroom rounds, or offline use.

Download printable trivia PDF

Easy American Civil War Trivia

In what year did the American Civil War begin?

What year did the American Civil War come to an end?

Who was president of the United States during the Civil War?

The Civil War was fought between which two sides?

What city served as the capital of the Confederacy?

Who served as president of the Confederacy?

Which fort was attacked in April 1861, starting the war?

Who commanded the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia?

Who became the top Union general in 1864?

Gettysburg, one of the war's best-known battles, was fought in which state?

On what date did the Emancipation Proclamation take effect?

Which side won the American Civil War?

How many seceded states made up the Confederacy?

American Civil War Family Trivia

In what harbor is Fort Sumter located?

On what date did the Battle of Antietam take place?

Which battle is remembered as the bloodiest single day in American military history?

Gettysburg stretched across three days and ended on what date in 1863?

Which city surrendered to Union forces on July 4, 1863?

Before sunrise on April 12, 1861, what fort came under fire?

At what location did the Monitor and Virginia meet in battle?

Which Civil War nurse became famous for caring for wounded soldiers?

Who served the Union as both a scout and a spy?

In which state was the Battle of Shiloh fought in 1862?

After Chancellorsville, Stonewall Jackson was accidentally shot by whom?

Fredericksburg was fought in which month and year?

Fun American Civil War Trivia

Which Union general answered to the compact nickname “Little Mac”?

At First Bull Run, Thomas J. Jackson picked up what rock-solid nickname?

If someone says they’re studying the Battle of Manassas, which more familiar battle name are they talking about?

Shiloh had a second name on the historical mailbox. What was it?

True or false: Antietam and Sharpsburg are two labels for the same battle. True or false?

What Confederate craft made history as the first submarine to sink an enemy warship in combat?

In 1864, the Hunley sent which Union ship to the bottom?

The Confederate raider CSS Alabama had an overseas origin story. Where was it built?

What speedy communication technology buzzed across the Civil War for both sides?

Even with battles raging, soldiers often kept in touch with family by sending what?

Which famous photographer turned the Civil War into a lasting visual record?

Before drones were even a dream, the Union looked down on battlefields from what inflatable helpers?

Who organized the Union Army Balloon Corps?

Funny American Civil War Trivia

Which cavalryman seems to have dressed like he expected a dramatic entrance, complete with a plumed hat and flashy cape?

Which general gave the English language a grooming souvenir when his distinctive whiskers inspired the word "sideburns"?

At which battle did some civilians come from Washington as if they were headed to a battlefield picnic?

How tall was Abraham Lincoln, the man who could probably see over most stovepipe-hat racks?

Pea Ridge sounds like a side dish, but in what state did the Battle of Pea Ridge take place in 1862?

Ball’s Bluff sounds almost cheerful until history steps in. In what state was the Battle of Ball’s Bluff fought in 1861?

If you were trying to find the Battle of Stones River on a map, near which Tennessee town should you look?

Wilson’s Creek was fought in 1861 in which state, proving creeks can also have historical resumes?

Chickamauga was fought in 1863 in which state?

What common nickname was used for a Confederate soldier, as if the whole army had agreed on one very specific guy?

What common nickname was used for a Union soldier?

What did soldiers call those famously tooth-testing hard crackers?

Which drink was prized in Union army camps, earning near-sacred status before sunrise?

Hard American Civil War Trivia

What failed 1860 proposal tried to head off secession and avert the coming Civil War?

Which 1861 international scare pitted the United States against Britain in a diplomatic crisis?

Name the 1862 Confederate victory that still failed to lock down the Southwest for the Confederacy.?

Which battle is forever tied to Farragut’s famous line, “Damn the torpedoes”?

Which 1862 victory turned Ulysses S. Grant into a national hero?

Nathan Bedford Forrest’s major 1864 triumph came at Brice’s Cross what?

What 1864 battle badly shattered the Confederate Army of Tennessee before its final destruction?

Which 1864 battle finished Hood’s army as an effective fighting force?

Where was the Confederate government formed in February 1861?

What nickname did Union legal-tender paper money earn during the war?

The July 1863 draft riots exploded in which city?

Which civilian aid organization supported Union soldiers with medical and camp assistance?

Black Union troops launched a notable assault in July 1863 against which fort?

Playful but precise: if you were handed Union paper money and told it wasn’t silver, what wartime nickname would be in your pocket?

Download PDF

Related Trivia Pages