The Confederate States of America was formed 150 Years Ago Today

Alabama State Capitol Building

On February 4, 1861, delegates from the seven Southern states that had declared their independence from the Union met in Montgomery, Alabama, and declared the existence of a new nation, the Confederate States of America.

The meeting took place at the historic Alabama State Capitol Building, which also would serve as the first capitol of the Confederacy. As the delegates convened in the magnificent old building, they declared themselves a provisional legislature for the new Southern nation and authorized a committee to begin work on drafting a Constitution that would unify the seceded states for their common defense and welfare.

First Capitol of the Confederacy

The move would set the stage for the largest conflict of arms ever to take place on the North American continent. The new Southern nation defied the will of the old Union and attempts at negotiation to resolve the difference between the two governments would fail. It would be from Montgomery, two months later, that President Jefferson Davis would issue the order for Confederate guns to open fire on Fort Sumter. That attack would officially open the War Between the States or Civil War. By the time the war came to an end, the history of the United States and its people would be forever changed.

The historic Alabama Capitol Building which served as the First Capitol of the Confederacy remains in use today. It stands atop Goat Hill at the end of Dexter Avenue and has looked out on an amazing array of monumental historical events, from the formation of the Confederacy and beginning of the Civil War to the end of the Selma to Montgomery March during the Civil Rights Movement.

To learn more about the building's role as the First Capitol of the Confederacy, please visit www.exploresouthernhistory.com/montgomerycapitol1.

St. Augustine, Florida - Part Twelve

Continuing our series on the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida, this is a view of the restored Government House.

Built by the Spanish between 1706 and 1713 on a lot facing the west end of the Plaza de la Constitucion, this unique structure served as the home of Florida's Spanish governors.

When Florida was transferred to Great Britain at the end of the French and Indian War, the Government House was occupied by British officials. It served an important role during the American Revolution and was probably the location of some of the planning of the British strikes against Georgia that were launched from Florida.

After the revolution Florida was returned to Spain and the Government House again served as a home and office for the colony's Spanish governors. It continued to fill this role until Florida was handed over to the United States in 1821.

Although most Floridians are familiar with the "Old Capitol" in Tallahassee, few realize that this historic structure in St. Augustine is actually Florida's "Older Capitol." In addition to its history as a center of activity for Spanish and British officials, the Government House served as a meeting place for Florida's Legislature in 1823 before the site of Tallahassee was selected to become the new territory's permanent capital.

Union officers accepted the surrender of St. Augustine from the city's civil leaders here in 1862 during the Civil War.

The Government House today is a very nice visitor center and museum. The displays include a fascinating walk through the archaeology of the oldest city.

Our series on St. Augustine will continue. Until the next post, you can read more by visiting www.exploresouthernhistory.com and looking for the St. Augustine heading.