Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
165 YEARS AGO: The Confederacy issues a declaration of war against the U.S. The new government authorizes military enlistments and limits trade with the North. Leaders also take steps to prepare for conflict, while pundits weigh the chances for Confederate independence.
165 YEARS AGO: President Abraham Lincoln calls for increased military enrollment, which results in Federal troops pouring into Washington, D.C. By mid-May, talk turns from defense to offensive operations including an invasion of the South.
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: The Tennessee legislature votes to secede from the Union and joins the Confederacy before the popular vote on the matter takes place.
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Confederate envoys seek to garner foreign support but faced opposition due to foreign hostility toward slavery. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward declares U.S. commitment to preserving the Union and warns the foreign powers not to recognize Confederate independence.
Letter from William B. Darst, 21st Virginia Volunteer Infantry, to his mother.
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: George McClellan, a young but respected U.S. Army veteran, suggests a quick strike on the Confederate capital of Richmond. But Winfield Scott, the venerated U.S. General-in-Chief advises caution and prefers a more methodical approach.