The Civil War Months

The Bombardment of Fort Sumter

April 12, 2026 WalterCoffey

OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Confederates open fire on the Federal garrison at Fort Sumter, touching off the most horrific conflict in American history.

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The Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln

March 4, 2026 WalterCoffey

Abraham Lincoln becomes the 16th U.S. president and prepares to face the sectional crisis head-on.

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The Inauguration of Jefferson Davis

February 18, 2026 WalterCoffey

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.

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The Farewell Soiree

February 6, 2026 WalterCoffey

The Lincolns host their final reception in their Springfield home as they prepare for their move to Washington. President-elect Lincoln expresses ambivalence about leaving his home and reflects on the daunting challenges that lay ahead.

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Building Greater Permanency

February 5, 2026 WalterCoffey

A convention opens in Montgomery as delegates from the seceded states start work on forming a new nation independent of the United States.

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Key Events Leading to the War Between the States

November 5, 2025 WalterCoffey

The United States of America had been in existence for less than a century when it was nearly shattered by the most terrible conflict in its history. Why did it happen?

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WELCOME

November 4, 2025 WalterCoffey

Welcome to the new Civil War Months blog. Be sure to subscribe to see new content as it’s released!

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From Luther Rice Mills, 26th Virginia

March 2, 2025 WalterCoffey

Letter from Luther Rice Mills of the 26th Virginia Infantry to his brother.

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From Cyrus H. Lewis, 1st Missouri Engineers

November 2, 2024 WalterCoffey

Letter from Cyrus H. Lewis of the 1st Missouri Engineers to his parents.

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From Frederick Bartleson, 100th Illinois

February 26, 2024 WalterCoffey

Letter from Col. Frederick Bartleson, 100th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, to his wife while captive in Libby Prison at Richmond.

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From Aden Cavins, 97th Indiana

December 30, 2023 WalterCoffey

Letter from Lt. Col. Aden Cavins of the 97th Indiana Volunteer Infantry to his wife.

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From Frank Phelps, 10th Wisconsin

December 2, 2023 WalterCoffey

Letter from Sgt. Frank Phelps of the 10th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry.

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