Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: During the special session of the U.S. Congress, Republicans unopposed by the South were able to approve several laws meant to pay for the war, including the first-ever personal income tax.
165 YEARS AGO: General Benjamin F. Butler pushes the Lincoln administration to set a firm policy regarding fugitive slaves behind Federal lines.
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Jefferson Davis responds to allegations that he hindered the Confederate army’s ability to march on Washington after Bull Run.
165 YEARS AGO: John R. Baylor establishes the new Confederate Territory of Arizona, and Henry H. Sibley prepares to launch his own Confederate campaign into the Southwest.
165 YEARS AGO: George B. McClellan develops a Federal war strategy while complaining that Winfield Scott is standing in his way.
Detachments of opposing forces clash in southwestern Missouri, foreshadowing a larger fight in the near future.