Events with tag - Secession

November 6, 1860

Lincoln's Presidential Election Victory

Abraham Lincoln secured a historic victory in the 1860 presidential election, becoming the 16th President of the United States. Despite winning only 39.8% of the popular vote, he gained 180 electoral votes, defeating three other candidates in one of the most consequential elections in American history.

February 4, 1861

Confederate States Formation

Seven Southern states officially established the Confederate States of America, marking a pivotal moment that led to the American Civil War. The formation occurred in Montgomery, Alabama, with Jefferson Davis elected as president.

February 9, 1861

Jefferson Davis Elected Confederate President

Jefferson Davis was unanimously elected as the provisional president of the Confederate States of America by the Confederate Constitutional Convention in Montgomery, Alabama, marking a crucial moment in the American Civil War.

February 18, 1861

Jefferson Davis Confederate Inauguration

On February 18, 1861, Jefferson Davis was inaugurated as the first and only President of the Confederate States of America in Montgomery, Alabama. The ceremony took place at the Alabama State Capitol, marking the formal establishment of the Confederate government.

March 11, 1861

Confederate Constitution Adoption

The Confederate Constitution was officially adopted in Montgomery, Alabama, establishing the legal framework for the Confederate States of America. This pivotal document, created by delegates from seven Southern states, marked a significant moment in American history leading to the Civil War.

April 12, 1861

American Civil War Begins

The American Civil War officially began with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, marking the start of the deadliest conflict in U.S. history.

April 17, 1861

Virginia's Secession

Virginia's decision to secede from the Union marked a critical turning point in the American Civil War, coming after the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter and Lincoln's call for troops. As the most populous and economically powerful Southern state, Virginia's secession transformed a regional dispute into a full-scale civil war.

June 20, 1863

West Virginia Becomes 35th U.S. State

West Virginia achieved statehood on June 20, 1863, becoming the only state formed by separating from another state during the Civil War. The region broke away from Confederate Virginia due to strong Union loyalty and distinct economic differences.

June 20, 1863

Formation of West Virginia

West Virginia became the 35th U.S. state on June 20, 1863, marking the only instance in American history where a state was created by separating from another during the Civil War. The split occurred due to fundamental differences in economy, culture, and stance on slavery between eastern and western Virginia.

June 20, 1863

West Virginia Becomes 35th U.S. State

West Virginia achieved statehood on June 20, 1863, becoming the only state formed by separating from another during the American Civil War. This historic split occurred when western Virginia counties remained loyal to the Union while Virginia voted to secede, leading to the creation of a new state through a series of conventions and legislative processes.