Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
Pro-Confederate Kentuckians boycott an election that results in Unionist candidates winning seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
George B. McClellan comes to take personal command of Federals in western Virginia as Confederates try to strengthen their defenses.
Western Virginians gather at a convention and declare themselves to be the lawful, reorganized government of the state of Virginia.
Federal forces advance in northern Missouri and win a minor victory at Boonville. But the secessionists are not done fighting yet.
Federals led by Charles P. Stone seize two key ferries on the Potomac River while Confederates begin stirring at Leesburg, Va.
Confederates abandon Harpers Ferry in northwestern Virginia as Federals cautiously prepare to enter that part of the state.