WHAT ALL HAPPENED MARCH TO JUNE 1861
Find out what all happened March to June 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)

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 Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce is founded, in Hong Kong. (29. May 1861)

American Civil War: Maryland's House of Delegates votes not to secede from the Union. (29. April 1861)

The first national flag of the Confederate States of America (the "Stars and Bars") is adopted. (4. March 1861)

Pakistan’s (then a part of British India) first railway line opens, from Karachi to Kotri. (13. May 1861)

American Civil War: Battle of Big Bethel - Confederate troops under John B. Magruder defeat a much larger Union force led by General Ebenezer W. Pierce in Virginia. (10. June 1861)

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

American Civil War: Tennessee secedes from the Union. (8. June 1861)

American Civil War: Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom issues a "proclamation of neutrality" which recognizes the breakaway states as having belligerent rights. (13. May 1861)

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

American Civil War: Battle of Philippi (also called the Philippi Races) – Union forces rout Confederate troops in Barbour County, Virginia, now West Virginia, in first land battle of the War. (3. June 1861)

American President Abraham Lincoln suspends the writ of habeas corpus. (27. April 1861)

The Kingdom of Italy is proclaimed. (17. March 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)

American Civil War: The war begins with Confederate forces firing on Fort Sumter, in the harbor of Charleston, South Carolina. (12. April 1861)

The Great Comet of 1861 is discovered by John Tebbutt of Windsor, New South Wales, Australia. (13. May 1861)

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

American Civil War: Robert E. Lee resigns his commission in the United States Army in order to command the forces of the state of Virginia. (20. April 1861)

Alexander II of Russia signs the Emancipation Manifesto, freeing serfs. (3. March 1861)