WHAT ALL HAPPENED APRIL TO OCTOBER 1861
Find out what all happened April to October 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)

The Pony Express officially ceases operations. (26. October 1861)

American Civil War: at the order of President Abraham Lincoln, Union troops begin a 25 mile march into Virginia for what will become the First Battle of Bull Run, the first major land battle of the war. (16. July 1861)

First ascent of Weisshorn, fifth highest summit in the Alps. (19. August 1861)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

American Civil War: Richmond, Virginia is declared the new capital of the Confederate States of America. (6. May 1861)

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

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

American Civil War: Union troops occupy Alexandria, Virginia. (24. May 1861)

President Abraham Lincoln calls for 75,000 Volunteers to quell the insurrection that soon became the American Civil War (15. April 1861)