Final answer:
The Civil War began on April 12, 1861, at Fort Sumter, South Carolina, and ended on April 9, 1865, at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Civil War was a pivotal conflict in United States history, playing a crucial role in shaping the nation. Officially, the war commenced on April 12, 1861, when Confederate forces fired on Union troops at Fort Sumter located in Charleston, South Carolina. The conflict continued for four years, with significant battles that affected the political and social landscape of the nation. Eventually, the Civil War concluded at the Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia, when Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865. This marked the end of the war after a long and costly struggle for both sides.