March 2, 1861
- The U. S. Congress passes a proposed 13th Amendment that would shield “domestic institutions” of the states from the federal constitutional amendment process and from abolition or interference by Congress. Although the Corwin Amendment does not explicitly mention slavery, it is designed specifically to protect slavery from federal power. The amendment is never ratified.
- Texas Secessionist Convention reconvenes
- Congress passes the Morrill Tariff Bill.