Category Archives: 1860s

General Sherman issues ’40 acres and a mule’ order 160 years ago today (Jan 16 1865)


Video: 'Special Field Order # 15' (Jan. 16, 1865, at 3:41)

(Monday, January 16, 1865; during the American Civil War) — Union Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman issued Special Field Order No. 15, which decreed that 400,000 acres of land in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida would be confiscated, divided into 40-acre lots and given to former slaves.

The order, which was later revoked by President Andrew Johnson, is believed to have inspired the expression, “Forty acres and a mule.”

Confederates lose last major seaport to Federals 160 years ago today (Jan 15 1865)


Video: 'The US Civil War - Second Battle of Fort Fisher, January 1865, US Civil War'

(Sunday, January 15, 1865; during the American Civil War) — The Second Battle of Fort Fisher near Wilmington, North Carolina, ended today as Union forces captured the “Gibraltar of the South,” depriving the Confederates of their last major seaport.

‘If slaves make good soldiers our whole theory of slavery is wrong’ 160 years ago today (Jan 8 1865)

(Sunday, January 8, 1865; during the American Civil War) — In response to the Confederacy’s efforts to enlist African-American slaves as soldiers in the closing days of the American Civil War, Major General Howell Cobb famously wrote today in a letter sent to Confederate Secretary of War James A. Seddon: “if slaves make good soldiers our whole theory of slavery is wrong.”

Union forces led by Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman capture Savannah in historic Civil War ‘March to the Sea’ 160 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 21 1864)


Video: 'Blood and Glory: The Civil War in Color: Sherman's March to Savannah | History'

(Wednesday, December 21, 1864; during the American Civil War) — Union forces led by Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman today concluded their 37-day “March to the Sea,” which had begun in Atlanta on Nov. 15, 1864, and ended with the capture of Savannah, Georgia. Continue reading Union forces led by Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman capture Savannah in historic Civil War ‘March to the Sea’ 160 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 21 1864)

Confederates crushed in bloody assault at Franklin, Tennessee 160 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Nov 30 1864)


Video: 'Franklin: Animated Battle Map'

(Wednesday, November 30, 1864, midnight local time; the Battle of Franklin, part of the Franklin-Nashville Campaign during American Civil War) — In what is described as one of the most disastrous engagements for the Confederate States Army, the Battle of Franklin unfolded today, leaving a staggering toll on General John Bell Hood’s Army of Tennessee. Continue reading Confederates crushed in bloody assault at Franklin, Tennessee 160 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Nov 30 1864)

150 peaceful Cheyenne Indians killed by Colorado militia in Sand Creek Massacre 160 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Nov 29 1864)


Video: '1864 Sand Creek Massacre 13 minutes'

(Tuesday, November 29, 1864; during the Colorado War, part of the American Indian Wars, Sioux Wars, and American Civil War) — A Colorado militia killed at least 150 peaceful Cheyenne Indians today in the Sand Creek Massacre in present-day Kiowa County, Colorado. Continue reading 150 peaceful Cheyenne Indians killed by Colorado militia in Sand Creek Massacre 160 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Nov 29 1864)

Union forces led by Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman begin ‘March to the Sea’ from Atlanta 160 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Nov 15 1864)


Video: 'Sherman's March: A Civil War Turning Point | The Conquerors (S1, E8) | Full Episode' (Nov. 15, 1864, at 1:30)

(Tuesday, November 15, 1864; during American Civil War) — After destroying Atlanta’s warehouses and railroad facilities, Union forces led by Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman began their “March to the Sea” today with the goal of crippling the region’s military and economic resources. Continue reading Union forces led by Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman begin ‘March to the Sea’ from Atlanta 160 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Nov 15 1864)

U.S. President Abraham Lincoln wins re-election, defeating George B. McClellan 160 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Nov 8 1864)


Video: 'The American Presidential Election of 1864'

(Tuesday, November 8, 1864, during the 1864 presidential campaign) — Near the end of the American Civil War, National Union (Republican) President Abraham Lincoln of Illinois was elected to a second term today, soundly defeating Democratic challenger Major General George B. McClellan of New Jersey. Continue reading U.S. President Abraham Lincoln wins re-election, defeating George B. McClellan 160 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Nov 8 1864)

Nevada becomes 36th state, joining the Union in crucial Civil War moment 160 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 31 1864)


Video: 'The 36th Star: Nevada's Journey from Territory to State'

(Monday, October 31, 1864; eight days before the presidential election of 1864, during the American Civil War)Nevada, a landlocked state in the Western region of the United States, was officially admitted to the Union as the 36th state today, a significant moment in American history as the Civil War rages on. Continue reading Nevada becomes 36th state, joining the Union in crucial Civil War moment 160 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 31 1864)

Atlanta falls as Union forces enter Southern city in significant turning point of American Civil War 160 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Sep 2 1864)


Video: 'The Atlanta Campaign: The Civil War in Four Minutes'

(Friday, September 2, 1864, morning; during the Atlanta Campaign, part of the American Civil War) — Union forces led by Major General William Tecumseh Sherman captured Atlanta, Georgia, today, in a significant turning point of the American Civil War. Continue reading Atlanta falls as Union forces enter Southern city in significant turning point of American Civil War 160 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Sep 2 1864)