Category Archives: 1860s

Grant crosses Rapidan, launching Overland Campaign 150 years ago today (May 4 1864)


Video: 'Ulysses S. Grant and the Battle of the Wilderness' (May 4, 1864, at 24:42)

(Wednesday, May 4, 1864; during the Overland Campaign, part of the American Civil War) — Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, general-in-chief of all Union armies, crossed the Rapidan River today, seeking to defeat Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia by quickly placing his forces between Lee and Richmond and inviting an open battle.

Congress authorizes use of ‘In God We Trust’ on U.S. coins 150 years ago today (Apr 22 1864)


Video: 'in god we trust final version'

(Friday, April 22, 1864; during the American Civil War) — Congress authorized the use of the phrase “In God We Trust” on U.S. coins today, allowing the Secretary of the Treasury to authorize the inclusion of the phrase on one-cent and two-cent coins.

Union General Grant suspends prisoner exchanges 150 years ago today (Apr 17 1864)

(Sunday, April 17, 1864; during the American Civil War) — Union Army general in chief Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant today ordered all prisoner exchanges suspended until questions are answered regarding the Vicksburg and Port Hudson paroles (a number of the surrendered Confederates have simply rejoined the army, despite having given their word that they would not) and the matter of exchange of African American troops has been settled.

Federal black troops massacred at end of Battle of Fort Pillow 150 years ago today (Apr 12 1864)


Video: 'Clip 1 from 'The Forgotten Battle of Fort Pillow''

(Tuesday, April 12, 1864; during the American Civil War) — Confederate troops led by Maj. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest took Union-held Fort Pillow in Tennessee. Almost half of the Union garrison was made up of black soldiers, many of whom were slain by the Confederates. Continue reading Federal black troops massacred at end of Battle of Fort Pillow 150 years ago today (Apr 12 1864)

Dr. Mary Edwards Walker captured by Confederates 150 years ago today (Apr 10 1864)


Video: 'Mary Edwards Walker'

(Sunday, April 10, 1864; during the American Civil War) — Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, an assistant surgeon for the 52nd Ohio Volunteers, was captured by the Confederates today and accused of being a Union spy; she was held until her release in August 1864 as part of a prisoner exchange. Continue reading Dr. Mary Edwards Walker captured by Confederates 150 years ago today (Apr 10 1864)

Senate votes to amend U.S. Constitution to abolish slavery 150 years ago today (Apr 8 1864)


Video: 'The 13th Amendment'

(Friday, April 8, 1864; during the American Civil War) — The U.S. Senate today passed, 38-6, the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolishing slavery. The House of Representatives passed it in Jan. 1865 and the amendment was ratified and adopted in Dec. 1865.

Lincoln writes ‘events have controlled me’ 150 years ago today (Apr 4 1864)

(Monday, April 4, 1864; during the American Civil War) — In a letter to Kentucky newspaper editor Albert G. Hodges, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln today wrote, “I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me.”

President Lincoln puts General Grant in command of U.S. Army 150 years ago today (Mar 10 1864)


Video: 'History Corner Ulysses S Grant'

(Thursday, March 10, 1864; during the American Civil War) — U.S. President Abraham Lincoln signed an order today assigning Ulysses S. Grant, who had just received his commission as lieutenant-general, to the command of the Armies of the United States. Grant assumed his new command two days later, relieving General-in-Chief Henry Halleck.

President Lincoln meets General Grant for first time 150 years ago this hour (Mar 8 1864)

(Tuesday, March 8, 1864, at about 9:30 p.m.; during the American Civil War) — Union General Ulysses S. Grant arrived in Washington today unrecognized, but word quickly spread that he was in town, and he was warmly received at Willard’s Hotel.

Grant then proceeded to the weekly reception at the White House, where he met President Abraham Lincoln for the first time. In the East Room, Grant stood on a sofa so the cheering guests could see him.