Category Archives: American Civil War

Congress abolishes slavery in U.S. territories 150 years ago today (1862)


Video: Congress outlaws slavery in territories (at 14:46)

(Thursday, June 19, 1862, during the American Civil War) — Congress passed a measure abolishing slavery in United States territories and President Lincoln quickly signed the legislation today, finally reversing the 1857 opinion of the Supreme Court of the United States in the Dred Scott Case that Congress was powerless to regulate slavery in U.S. territories.

Stuart begins ride around the Army of the Potomac 150 years ago today (1862)


Video: Stuart's troops begin ride (at 19:10)

(Thursday, June 12, 1862, part of the Peninsula Campaign of the American Civil War) — Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart began his ride around the Army of the Potomac today in Virginia after being sent on a reconnaissance of Union positions by Robert E. Lee in a prelude of the Seven Days Battles.

Jackson concludes Shenandoah Valley Campaign with Battle of Port Republic victory 150 years ago today (1862)


Video: Shenandoah Valley Campaign begins (at 8:06)

(Monday, June 9, 1862, during the American Civil War) — Stonewall Jackson concluded his successful Shenandoah Valley Campaign today with a victory in the Battle of Port Republic.  His tactics during the campaign are now studied by militaries around the world.

Lee assumes command of the Army of Northern Virginia 150 years ago today (1862)


Video: Lee assumes command (at 18:04)

(Sunday, June 1, 1862, part of the Peninsula Campaign of the American Civil War) — Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee assumed command of the Army of Northern Virginia today after General J. E. Johnston was wounded and Major General G. W. Smith suffered what may have been a nervous breakdown at the Battle of Seven Pines.

McClellan’s Union forces enter Yorktown 150 years ago today (1862)


Video: May 20, 1862 (at 1:00:30)

(Tuesday, May 20, 1862, part of the Peninsula Campaign of the American Civil War) — Federal Gen. George McClellan’s troops are now only nine miles from Richmond, the Confederate capital, but McClellan refused to attack and instead demanded 40,000 additional men even though he already outnumbered the rebels that he faced.

Gen. Butler issues ‘Woman’s Order’ in New Orleans 150 years ago today (1862)

Video: Butler issues 'Woman's Order' (at 11:40)

(Thursday, May 15, 1862, during the American Civil War) — Gen. Benjamin Butler, military commander of New Orleans, today issued General Order No. 28 (also known as the “Woman’s Order”), declaring that any female who insulted a Union soldier by word or deed would be regarded and held liable as a prostitute (“a woman of the town plying her avocation”).

Horrified Southerners assumed the order encouraged the Federals to violate the city’s women as prostitutes.

Ironclad CSS Virginia scuttled 150 years ago today (1862)


Video: May 11, 1862 (at 18:37)

(Sunday, May 11, 1862, during the American Civil War) — The ironclad CSS Virginia (built from the remnants of the USS Merrimack), which confronted the Union ironclad USS Monitor in a spectacular stand-off on Mar. 9, 1862, was was scuttled by its crew off today near Craney Island to prevent it from falling into Union hands.