1861

Events

• January 3 - On the question of secession, Delaware votes to remain in the Union.
• January 10 to February 1 - The states of Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and lastly, Texas all secede from the Union.
• January 21 - The Ordinance of Secession is ratified. Also on that date, Jefferson Davis resigns from the U.S. Senate.
• February 8 - The Confederate States of America are founded, with the adoption of the Provisional Constitution of the Confederate States. The next day, Jefferson Davis and Alexander Stephens are elected as the provisional President and Vice President by the Weed Convention.
• February 18 - Jefferson Davis is inaugurated as the Provisional president of the Confederate States of America. A month later, on the 11th, the Confederate Constitution is adopted.
• March 4 - James Buchanan's sole term as President of the United States comes to an end, allowing Abraham Lincoln to take office.
• April 12 - The American Civil War begins at the Battle of Fort Sumter in North Carolina. Two days later, the Fort surrenders to Confederate forces.
• April 17 - Virginia seceded from the Union, and later on, West Virginia broke off from Virginia. West Virginia eventually became a state in 1863.
• May 6-7 - Arkansas and Tennessee both seceded from the Union within a day of each other. Later, on May 20, North Carolina also seceded from the Union.
• May 10 - Camp Jackson massacre: Union military forces clashed with civilians on the streets of St. Louis, Missouri, resulting in the deaths of at least 28 people and injuries to another 100.

Births

Villain births

• March 30 - Grat Dalton
• May 16 - H. H. Holmes
• July 26 - James Kimble Vardaman

Deaths

Villain deaths

• August 16 - Ranavalona I