Browse all Events, Entries, Images, Videos, and Audio Files in the Civil War 1861 Time Period.
Magoffin’s Response to Lincoln’s Call for Militia
April 15, 1861 On April 15, 1861, Governor Beriah Magoffin informed Secretary of War Simon Cameron that Kentucky would furnish no troops in response to President call for militia. ; Executive Office, Frankfort, April 15, 1861. To Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War, Washington City: Your dispatch is received. In answer, I say emphatically, that…
Manning Marius Kimmel
October 25, 1832 – February 27, 1916 Manning M. Kimmel was one of four West Point graduates to fight initially for the Union during the American Civil War before switching sides. Manning Marius Kimmel (also known as Marius Manning Kimmel) was born in Perry County, Missouri, on October 25, 1832. He was the second of…
McMullin’s Battery of Ohio Volunteer Artillery
1861–1865 In the American Civil War, Ohio provided the federal government with 260 regiments of men, including infantry, artillery, and cavalry units. Ohioans also served in several other regiments from other states, most notably from Kentucky, West Virginia, and Massachusetts, as well as in federal units. In the American Civil War, Ohio provided the federal…
Message Assigning Joseph E. Johnston to Command of Harpers Ferry
May 15, 1861 On May 15, 1861, the Confederate War Department informed newly-appointed Brigadier General Joseph E. Johnston that he was assigned to command the troops near Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Adjutant and Inspector General's Office Montgomery, May 15, 1861 Brig. Gen. Jos. E. Johnston, C.S.A., Montgomery, Ala.: Sir: Having been appointed a brigadier-general in the…
Message Assigning Thomas J. Jackson to Command of Harpers Ferry
April 27, 1861 On April 27, 1861, Robert E. Lee ordered Colonel Thomas J. Jackson to take command of Harpers Ferry, Virginia. HEADQUARTERS VIRGINIA FORCES, Richmond, Va., April 27, 1861. Col. THOMAS J. JACKSON, Virginia Volunteers, Camp near Richmond, Va.: COLONEL: You will proceed, without delay, to Harpers Ferry, Va., in execution of the orders…
Mitchell’s Battery of Ohio Volunteer Artillery
1861–1865 In the American Civil War, Ohio provided the federal government with 260 regiments of men, including infantry, artillery, and cavalry units. Ohioans also served in several other regiments from other states, most notably from Kentucky, West Virginia, and Massachusetts, as well as in federal units. In the American Civil War, Ohio provided the federal…
Morton’s Independent Rifle Regiment
1861 In the American Civil War, Ohio provided the federal government with 260 regiments of men, including infantry, artillery, and cavalry units. Ohioans also served in several other regiments from other states, most notably from Kentucky, West Virginia, and Massachusetts, as well as in federal units. Almost 330,000 Ohio men, including 5,092 African Americans, served…
Nathan Bedford Forrest
July 13, 1821 – October 29, 1877 Known as "the Wizard of the Saddle," Nathan Bedford Forrest was a prominent Confederate cavalry officer whose reputation was stained by accusations regarding his role in the "Fort Pillow Massacre" on April 12, 1864. Nathan Bedford Forrest was born on July 13, 1821 in rural Chapel Hill, Tennessee.…
Nathaniel Lyon
July 14, 1818 – August 9, 1861 Infamous for his quick temper, Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon was killed during the Battle of Wilson's Creek, on August 9, 1861, making him the first Union general to die in combat during the American Civil War. Nathaniel Lyon was born on July 14, 1818, in Ashford, Connecticut. He…
Nathaniel Prentice Banks
January 30, 1816 – September 1, 1894 Nathaniel Prentice Banks was a ten-time member of the United States House of Representatives and, during the American Civil War, one of President Abraham Lincoln's political generals. Nathaniel Prentice Banks was born in Waltham, Massachusetts on January 30, 1816. He was the first of nine children of Nathaniel…