WHAT ALL HAPPENED JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1861
Find out what all happened January to October 1861

American Civil War: United States Navy squadron captures forts at Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina. (29. August 1861)

In Gaeta the capitulation of the fortress decreeing the end of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies is signed. (13. February 1861)

American Civil War: In order to help pay for the war effort, the United States government levies the first income tax as part of the Revenue Act of 1861 (3% of all incomes over US $800; rescinded in 1872). (5. August 1861)

American Civil War: The state of Kentucky proclaims its neutrality, which will last until September 3 when Confederate forces enter the state. Meanwhile, the State of North Carolina secedes from the Union. (20. May 1861)

American Civil War: Richmond, Virginia is named the capital of the Confederate States of America. (8. May 1861)

Russian troops fire on a crowd in Warsaw protesting against Russian rule over Poland, killing five protesters. (27. February 1861)

The United Kingdom annexes Lagos, Nigeria. (6. August 1861)

American Civil War: Jefferson Davis resigns from the United States Senate. (21. January 1861)

American Civil War: Arkansas secedes from the Union. (6. May 1861)

The Toronto Stock Exchange is created. (25. October 1861)

The First Taranaki War ends in New Zealand. (19. March 1861)

American Civil War, Battle of Fairfax Court House (June 1861): the first land battle of the American Civil War after the Battle of Fort Sumter, producing the first Confederate combat casualty. (1. June 1861)

Edward Clark becomes Governor of Texas, replacing Sam Houston, who has been evicted from the office for refusing to take an oath of loyalty to the Confederacy. (16. March 1861)

Alexander Stephens gives the Cornerstone Speech (21. March 1861)

Battle of Vienna, Virginia in the American Civil War. (17. June 1861)

American Civil War: George B. McClellan assumes command of the Army of the Potomac following a disastrous Union defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run. (26. July 1861)

First performance of Arthur Sullivan's debut success, his suite of incidental music for The Tempest, leading to a career that included the famous Gilbert and Sullivan operas. (6. April 1861)

The First Transcontinental Telegraph line across the United States is completed, spelling the end for the 18-month-old Pony Express. (24. October 1861)

American Civil War: Citing failing health, Union General Winfield Scott resigns as Commander of the United States Army. (31. October 1861)

In Montgomery, Alabama, Jefferson Davis is inaugurated as the provisional President of the Confederate States of America. (18. February 1861)