Unfortunately the civil war is a time of incredibly complex clothing. If you are going for the high style victorian look you are talking about corsets and hoop skirts, neither of which is easy to make.
Simplicity does have a pattern that I like, but it is not for beginners.
If you are looking to make a dress that is more like that worn by the maids, or the farmer's daughters, you will find it easier. And often you can get a blouse to go with it at a thrift store.
