The American Civil War: 1861 covers the open battles of that historic year. It covers both minor and major events of that crucial year, from the Battle of Big Bethel to the relatively large confrontations at Bull Run and Wilson's Creek. In 1861, both sides had large numbers of volunteers who, while enthusiastic, lacked combat experience. Among the weapons, much of the force still dated back to the Napoleonic era, with smoothbore artillery aplenty.