While the traditional 1861 Civil War opening is most commonly used, the earlier possibilities for a Civil War between 1850 and 1860 are occasionally used in time lines here, too. In the few of these I've seen, we often see the commanders from our Civil War rush to the top of the command structure, and simply take command a few years earlier than they would have in OTL.
Of course, that's not really how things work. The generals of an 1850 Civil War differ from those of an 1855 Civil War differ from those of an 1859 Civil War. But who are they? Who are we likely to see as battlefield commanders for the North and South in an earlier Civil War? Winfield Scott might not be too old to command the northern armies, for one...but who else is likely to be a "big name" in an earlier ACW?
Of course, that's not really how things work. The generals of an 1850 Civil War differ from those of an 1855 Civil War differ from those of an 1859 Civil War. But who are they? Who are we likely to see as battlefield commanders for the North and South in an earlier Civil War? Winfield Scott might not be too old to command the northern armies, for one...but who else is likely to be a "big name" in an earlier ACW?