Today in History: Jefferson Davis Captured
Today in History–May 10–the Library of Congress features the capture of Confederate President Jefferson Davis by Union troops on this day in 1865. The capture thwarted Davis’ plan to escape by sea from the east coast of Florida and then to sail to Texas where he hoped to establish a new Confederacy. He was sent, along with his family, to Fort Monroe in Virginia. There he was placed in solitary confinement and indicted for treason but was never tried. Davis was released two years later, in May 1867. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to gain additional perspectives from primary sources and more.
Jefferson Davis Was Captured from America’s Library
Illustrations/political cartoons
- The chas-ed “old lady” of the C.S.A.
- Jeff. Davis! “As women and children.”
- Jeff. Davis Caught At Last. Hoop Skirts & Southern Chivalry
- Jeff Davis, in his traveling costume
- Jeffie Davis the belle of Richmond
- Jeff’s double quick. The last words of the Confederacy: “Jeff’s war hoops”
- Jeff’s last shift. Capture of Jeff. Davis, May 10th, 1865, at Irwinsville, Ga.
- Jeff’s Race for the Last Ditch!
Varina Davis to Montgomery Blair describing the capture of her husband, Jefferson Davis 6 June 1865
The First Wisconsin Cavalry at the capture of Jefferson Davis
The capture of Jefferson Davis and what I know of it
Jefferson Davis capture 1865 historical newspaper coverage
Jefferson Davis surrender 1865 historical newspaper coverage
Jefferson Davis Fort Monroe historical newspaper coverage 1865-67
Casement [i.e. casemate] where Jefferson Davis was imprisoned, Fort Monroe, Va.
Jefferson Davis’ cell at Fort Monroe
The last ditch polka d’accacia sheet music cover celebrating Confederate president Jefferson Davis’ confinement at Fort Monroe