The Confederate States of America, formed between 1860 and 1861, were comprised of 11 states that officially seceded from the United States, along with two additional states claimed by the Confederacy. These states collectively formed a new nation under the presidency of Jefferson Davis, leading to the American Civil War.
The Eleven Seceding States
The core of the Confederacy consisted of eleven Southern states that formally declared their secession from the Union. These states sought to preserve their unique social and economic institutions, particularly the institution of slavery, which they felt was threatened by the federal government and the growing abolitionist movement.
The states that formally seceded were:
- South Carolina: The first state to secede on December 20, 1860.
- Mississippi: Seceded on January 9, 1861.
- Florida: Seceded on January 10, 1861.
- Alabama: Seceded on January 11, 1861.
- Georgia: Seceded on January 19, 1861.
- Louisiana: Seceded on January 26, 1861.
- Texas: Seceded on February 1, 1861.
- Virginia: Seceded on April 17, 1861, after the attack on Fort Sumter.
- Arkansas: Seceded on May 6, 1861.
- North Carolina: Seceded on May 20, 1861.
- Tennessee: Seceded on June 8, 1861.
These states—Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia—formed the backbone of the Confederate government and its military efforts.
The Two Claimed States: Missouri and Kentucky
While 11 states formally seceded, the Confederacy also claimed two additional states, Missouri and Kentucky, bringing the total often referred to as 13. These states were deeply divided, experiencing significant internal conflict, and had both Unionist and Confederate factions vying for control.
- Missouri: Despite never officially seceding from the Union through a popular vote, a pro-Confederate state government-in-exile was formed and recognized by the Confederate States of America. Missouri had representation in the Confederate Congress and significant Confederate military activity within its borders.
- Kentucky: Initially declaring neutrality, Kentucky ultimately remained within the Union. However, a pro-Confederate shadow government was established by a faction of Kentuckians, which then voted to secede and was officially recognized by the Confederacy. Like Missouri, Kentucky also had representation in the Confederate Congress.
These "border states" were strategically important due to their geographical location and resources, and both the Union and the Confederacy fought to control them throughout the war.
Overview of the Confederate States
The table below summarizes all 13 states associated with the Confederacy:
| State | Status | Date of Secession (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | Formally Seceded | December 20, 1860 |
| Mississippi | Formally Seceded | January 9, 1861 |
| Florida | Formally Seceded | January 10, 1861 |
| Alabama | Formally Seceded | January 11, 1861 |
| Georgia | Formally Seceded | January 19, 1861 |
| Louisiana | Formally Seceded | January 26, 1861 |
| Texas | Formally Seceded | February 1, 1861 |
| Virginia | Formally Seceded | April 17, 1861 |
| Arkansas | Formally Seceded | May 6, 1861 |
| North Carolina | Formally Seceded | May 20, 1861 |
| Tennessee | Formally Seceded | June 8, 1861 |
| Missouri | Claimed by Confederacy (Provisional) | (Did not formally secede) |
| Kentucky | Claimed by Confederacy (Provisional) | (Did not formally secede) |
The Confederacy's formation marked a pivotal moment in American history, leading to the devastating four-year conflict known as the Civil War. For more details on the Civil War and the states involved, resources like the National Park Service's Civil War facts provide comprehensive information.
