Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
President-elect Abraham Lincoln engages in various meetings in Washington, visits the U.S. Capitol to hold discussions with key politicians, and finalizes his inaugural address. Lincoln also faces pressure to compromise on slavery, but he hold firm against allowing slavery to spread.
President-elect Abraham Lincoln reaches the capital after traveling through Baltimore in the middle of the night to avoid a possible assassination attempt. The move sparks laughter from his opponents and embarrassment from his supporters.
President-elect Abraham Lincoln is presented evidence of a potential assassination plot against him, and he makes a fateful decision regarding the rest of his trip to Washington.
President-elect Abraham Lincoln travels to New York City, where he receives a lukewarm reception amid rising tensions over secession. Lincoln then continues on to New Jersey and Philadelphia.
New Confederate President Jefferson Davis works to build the executive department from scratch, emphasizing moderation by selecting some appointees who actually opposed secession. Davis also initiates efforts for national defense, diplomacy, and securing foreign recognition for the Confederacy.
Some 10,000 people attend the inauguration of Jefferson Davis as the first president of the Confederate States of America. The ceremony features a grand procession and an inaugural address emphasizing independence.