Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
165 YEARS AGO: In western Virginia, Confederate Generals John B. Floyd and Henry A. Wise bicker over where their troops should be positioned, which hinders their chances to hold the region against approaching Federals.
165 YEARS AGO: Ulysses S. Grant, the new Federal commander in southeast Missouri, counters the Confederate invasion of Kentucky by invading the state with a force of his own.
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Kentucky’s neutrality, which had been in question for several months, officially ends when Confederate forces enter the state and occupy the town of Columbus.
165 YEARS AGO: Abraham Lincoln addresses the delicate issue of John C. Fremont’s proclamation imposing martial law in Missouri and freeing slaves belonging to disloyal masters.
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Jefferson Davis nominates five officers to become full generals in the Confederate Army. This ultimately causes controversy over seniority, leading to lasting discord with Davis.
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: John C. Fremont, commanding the Federal Military Department of the West, issues controversial orders imposing martial law throughout Missouri and authorizing Federal troops to confiscate the property of disloyal Missourians, including slaves.