Jefferson Davis Timeline of Events

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Jefferson Davis

Jefferson Finis Davis , also known as Jeff Davis, was an American statesman and leader of the Confederacy during the American Civil War, serving as President for its entire history. He was born in Kentucky to Samuel and Jane Davis...

Timeline of Events

1847

12.5.1847

Jefferson Davis is elected to the US senate, his first political post.

1861

1.21.1861

American Civil War: Jefferson Davis resigns from the United States Senate.

2.9.1861

American Civil War: Jefferson Davis is elected the Provisional President of the Confederate States of America by the Confederate convention at Montgomery, Alabama.

2.18.1861

In Montgomery, Alabama, Jefferson Davis is inaugurated as the provisional President of the Confederate States of America.

11.6.1861

American Civil War: Jefferson Davis is elected president of the Confederate States of America.

11.21.1861

American Civil War: Confederate President Jefferson Davis appoints Judah Benjamin secretary of war.

1862

2.22.1862

Jefferson Davis is officially inaugurated for a six-year term as the President of the Confederate States of America in Richmond, Virginia. He was previously inaugurated as a provisional president on February 18, 1861.

1863

8.8.1863

American Civil War: following his defeat in the Battle of Gettysburg, General Robert E. Lee sends a letter of resignation to Confederate President Jefferson Davis (which is refused upon receipt).

1865

4.2.1865

American Civil War: Confederate President Jefferson Davis and most of his Cabinet flee the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia.

5.10.1865

American Civil War: Jefferson Davis is captured by Union troops near Irwinville, Georgia.