Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: After struggling through a horrific storm on the Atlantic, the Federal naval squadron attacks and captures a vital Confederate port.
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Ulysses S. Grant’s Federal army narrowly escapes destruction in southwestern Missouri but gains important battle experience.
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Elections take place throughout the Confederacy to replace the provisional national government with a permanent one. Jefferson Davis and Alexander Stephens were officially elected president and vice-president, with their inauguration scheduled for February 22, coinciding with George Washington’s birthday.
165 YEARS AGO: A massive Federal armada of 77 war vessels begins arriving off Port Royal, S.C., with plans to bombard the forts guarding the port into submission.
165 YEARS AGO: Ulysses S. Grant receives orders to stop Confederates at Columbus, Ky. from reinforcing the Missouri State Guards.
165 YEARS AGO: John C. Fremont faces removal from command of the Federal Army of the West due to unauthorized actions and corruption in his department. Fremont is ultimately replaced by David Hunter, but not without desperate resistance.