The U.S. Civil War lasted just over four years, from the attack on Fort Sumter in April 1861 through the official end of the war declared by U.S. President Andrew Johnson on 9 May 1865. The War affected the lives of almost everyone in the country, either directly or indirectly. The Researching Your U.S. Civil War Ancestors Legacy QuickGuide™ contains useful information to get you started on learning more about the soldiers who fought on both sides, and their families. This 4-sided, laminated guide is easily portable to take along on your next genealogy research trip.