You can using the switch faction option. Yes, 1861. You can, however, for only $4 US, buy the DLC for the American Civil War and just play it directly.
Thanks for the info! I bought the civil war DLC but it only has 1 option tht's 91 turns a lot less than the normal 1600+ GC. Do you have the option to play 1600+ turns with Civil War DLC? Thanks again