Civil War
Confederate Postal Service Begins
As North and South grew closer to war in early 1861, the Federal government continued postal service in the South for a limited time. Then, on June 1, 1861, the Confederate States of America took control of their own postal operations.
Start of the Battle of Cold Harbor
On May 31, 1864, forces assembled in Virginia for the bloody Battle of Cold Harbor.
The First Memorial Day
On May 30, 1868, the first Memorial Day, then called Decoration Day, was held in the United States.
Happy Birthday Ralph Waldo Emerson
Author Ralph Waldo Emerson was born on May 25, 1803, in Boston, Massachusetts.
South Carolina Admitted to the Union
On May 23, 1788, South Carolina ratified the Constitution, making it America’s eighth state.
Birth of Johns Hopkins
Philanthropist Johns Hopkins was born on May 19, 1795, in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
Centennial International Exhibition
On May 10, 1876, the first official World’s Fair in the United States was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Battle of Chancellorsville
On May 6, 1863, the Battle of Chancellorsville ended in a Confederate victory.
Battle of the Wilderness
On May 5, 1864, Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee clashed at the Battle of the Wilderness in Virginia.