Mississippi Secedes from the Union - January 9, 1861

On January 9, 1861, Mississippi became the second state to secede from the United States, following South Carolina’s lead, which had seceded on December 20, 1860. This pivotal event was part of the larger secession movement that ultimately led to the American Civil War.

Context and Background

The secession of Mississippi was deeply rooted in the contentious issues of states’ rights and slavery. By the mid-19th century, the United States was sharply divided along regional lines, primarily over the institution of slavery. The Southern states, including Mississippi, were heavily reliant on an agricultural economy that depended on slave labor. In contrast, the Northern states were increasingly industrialized and had largely abolished slavery.

The election of Abraham Lincoln as President in November 1860 was a significant catalyst for secession. Lincoln, representing the Republican Party, was seen by many in the South as a threat to the institution of slavery, despite his assurances that he would not interfere with slavery where it already existed. His election without any electoral votes from Southern states underscored the deep political and cultural divide.

The Secession Convention

In response to Lincoln’s election, Mississippi called for a secession convention. The convention convened in Jackson, Mississippi, where delegates debated the future of the state. On January 9, 1861, the convention voted overwhelmingly in favor of secession, with 84 delegates supporting and only 15 opposing the move.

Declaration of Secession

Mississippi issued a formal declaration of secession, which articulated the state’s reasons for leaving the Union. The declaration explicitly cited the defense of slavery as a primary motive, stating, “Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery—the greatest material interest of the world.”

Aftermath and Significance

Mississippi’s secession was a critical step in the formation of the Confederate States of America. By February 1861, six more Southern states had seceded, and together they formed the Confederacy, with Jefferson Davis, a Mississippian, elected as its president.

The secession of Mississippi and other Southern states set the stage for the American Civil War, which began in April 1861 with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter. The war would last four years, resulting in significant loss of life and the eventual abolition of slavery.

Mississippi’s decision to secede was emblematic of the broader struggle over states’ rights and the future of slavery in America. It remains a significant moment in U.S. history, illustrating the deep divisions that can arise within a nation and the profound consequences of those divisions.