Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: The Confederacy unveils a new metal-plated ram to break the Federal blockade at the mouth of the Mississippi River.
165 YEARS AGO TODAY: Confederate envoys board a steamship in the hopes of eluding the Federal blockade and reaching Europe to gain Confederate recognition.
165 YEARS AGO: Confederates attempt to seize Fort Pickens, a Federal stronghold on Santa Rosa Island near Pensacola, Florida.
165 YEARS AGO: The Kentucky pro-Union legislature enacts anti-secession measures while secessionist leaders, including the former U.S. vice president, urges his fellow Kentuckians to resist the Federal occupation of their state.
165 YEARS AGO: John C. Fremont leaves St. Louis to lead his Army of the Southwest against the secessionist Missouri State Guards of Sterling Price.
165 YEARS AGO: Confederates strengthen their defense line across Kentucky, as William T. Sherman gives his Federal superiors a gloomy report of affairs in the state.