Historical Events tagged with "southern states"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

First Northern Prisoners at Andersonville

February 27th, 1864 161 years ago

Northern soldiers captured by Confederate forces arrived at the notorious Andersonville prison in Georgia. This facility became infamous for its harsh conditions and overcrowding. The prisoners faced dire shortages of food, shelter, and sanitary facilities, leading to immense suffering. Their arrival marked a significant moment in the experience of Union soldiers captured during the American Civil War, highlighting the challenges faced by both captives and captors amidst the ongoing conflict.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Second Assault on Confederate Works at Port Hudson

June 14th, 1863 161 years ago

Union forces, commanded by Major General Nathaniel P. Banks, launched their second assault on the Confederate defenses at Port Hudson, Louisiana. This attack was aimed at breaking the siege laid by the Union army since May 1863. The Union troops encountered strong resistance from Confederate forces led by Major General Franklin Gardner, resulting in heavy casualties for the attackers. The intense fighting showcased the strategic importance of Port Hudson in controlling the Mississippi River and the overall outcome of the Civil War.

Continue Reading
Cultural Traditions

Thanksgiving in the Confederate States

September 18th, 1862 162 years ago

The Confederate States of America celebrated a Thanksgiving Day on September 18, 1862, declared by President Jefferson Davis. The event sought to unite and encourage the Southern population during the ongoing Civil War, emphasizing gratitude for military successes and resilience. It was a unique occasion, shaping the Confederate identity around shared values and community spirit, even in times of conflict. The proclamation invited citizens to express thanks for the fruits of the earth, the safety of their families, and the valor of their soldiers.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Kentucky Declares Its Allegiance to the Confederacy

December 10th, 1861 163 years ago

The Confederate States of America recognized Kentucky's proclamation as the 13th state of the Confederacy. This decision stemmed from a state government in Kentucky declaring its secession from the Union, underscoring the deepening divide over issues like slavery and state sovereignty. This development was witnessed amid the growing tensions and military operations associated with the American Civil War.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Confederate Electors Elect Davis and Stephens

December 4th, 1861 163 years ago

The Confederate States of America held an election where 109 electors unanimously selected Jefferson Davis as President and Alexander H. Stephens as Vice President. This decision was made in Montgomery, Alabama, the capital of the Confederacy, solidifying their leadership amidst the ongoing Civil War. The electors, representing various southern states, demonstrated a united front in their leadership choice as the Confederacy sought to establish its legitimacy as a separate nation.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Tennessee's Decision to Leave the Union

June 8th, 1861 163 years ago

Tennessee's secession from the Union was a pivotal moment during the early stages of the American Civil War. Amid rising tensions between the northern and southern states, the Tennessee legislature convened to vote on the issue of secession. The primary motivation was the state's desire to maintain its slaveholding interests and align more closely with the Confederacy. On June 8, 1861, a referendum was held in which the people voted overwhelmingly in favor of leaving the Union, marking Tennessee as one of the last states to secede and propelling the conflict into a broader civil struggle.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Arkansas Becomes a Confederate State

May 6th, 1861 163 years ago

Arkansas officially seceded from the Union on May 6, 1861, aligning itself with the Confederacy during the American Civil War. The decision followed a statewide referendum in which voters largely favored secession. The state's leaders, including Governor Henry M. Rector, expressed strong support for leaving the Union as tensions rose between northern and southern states over issues such as states' rights and slavery.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Alexander H. Stephens delivers Cornerstone Speech

March 21st, 1861 163 years ago

Alexander H. Stephens, the Vice President of the Confederate States, delivered the Cornerstone Speech in Savannah, Georgia. In his address, he outlined the foundational principles of the Confederacy, emphasizing the belief in white supremacy and the justification of slavery as a positive good. This speech defined the Confederacy's ideological stance at a time when it was establishing its identity in opposition to the Union.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Constitution of the Confederate States Adopted

March 11th, 1861 164 years ago

The Constitution of the Confederate States was adopted in Montgomery, Alabama, establishing the legal framework for the newly formed Confederacy. This document, which mirrored the United States Constitution in many respects, included protective measures for slavery and emphasized states' rights. Delegates from the seceding Southern states convened to formalize their governance in response to tensions arising from sectional differences. The adoption marked a significant step in the political separation of the Confederate states from the Union, reflecting the critical issues leading up to the American Civil War.

Continue Reading