Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
165 YEARS AGO: Robert E. Lee seeks to unify Confederate forces in western Virginia, but internal divisions and rivalries among commanders hinder cooperation. Various independent commands operate without collaboration, resulting in ineffective resistance against Federal forces in the Kanawha Valley.
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Abraham Lincoln reluctantly signs a bill into law allowing Federal commanders to seize slaves from people supporting the Confederacy. But this law does not provide clear enforcement guidelines, thus raising constitutional concerns.
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: During the special session of the U.S. Congress, Republicans unopposed by the South were able to approve several laws meant to pay for the war, including the first-ever personal income tax.
165 YEARS AGO: General Benjamin F. Butler pushes the Lincoln administration to set a firm policy regarding fugitive slaves behind Federal lines.
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Jefferson Davis responds to allegations that he hindered the Confederate army’s ability to march on Washington after Bull Run.
165 YEARS AGO: John R. Baylor establishes the new Confederate Territory of Arizona, and Henry H. Sibley prepares to launch his own Confederate campaign into the Southwest.