As published in the Murfreesboro Post, October 15, 2006
By Mike West, Managing Editor
Nov. 6, 1860: Lincoln is elected president
Dec. 20, 1860: South Carolina secedes.
Feb. 9, 1861: Confederate government is formed.
March 4, 1861: Lincoln is sworn in as president
March 6: Confederate Congress authoritizes establishment of an army.
April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the attack on Fort Sumter.
April 15, 1861: Lincoln calls for 75,000 troops. Robert E. Lee is offered command and refuses.
April 18, 1861: 1860 Presidential candidate John Bell calls on Tennesseans to maintain an armed neutrality.
April 23, 1861: John Bell announces he will stand by the Southern states.
May 6, 1861: Tennessee General Assembly votes to put a motion to secede from the Union before voters.
May 1861: Joseph B. Palmer forms a regiment of troops from Rutherford County. By May 24th, the unit is sworn into service at Camp Trousdale.
June 8, 1861: Secession referendum passes 104, 471 to 47.183.
Sept. 18, 1861: The 18th Tennessee Infantry is ordered to active duty at Bowling Green, Ky.