1863 & 2013
Jan 1, 1863 – Emancipation Proclamation (DC)
Then: President Abraham Lincoln signs the Emancipation Proclamation.
2013: The National Archives in Washington (DC) exhibits the original Declaration with associated programs Jan 1 and continuing through the month.
Jan 1, 1863 – Battle of Galveston Harbor (TX)
Then: The first Union effort to blockade Galveston Harbor ended after an unlikely and lucky Confederate land/sea attack against the Union blockading and occupation force. The blockade was temporarily lifted. Galveston stayed in Confederate hands throughout the war.
2013: Special tours and living history are scheduled in historic downtown Galveston Jan 11–13. www.galvestonhistory.org/Battle_Special_Events.asp
Jan 9–11, 1863 – Battle of Arkansas Post
Then: A combined army-navy assault defeated Confederate forces in and around Fort Hindman at Arkansas Post (AR) on the Arkansas River near the Mississippi River. The Union success removed a nuisance to the Union operations on the Mississippi and opened up a route to the state capital at Little Rock.
2013: Living history programs and a reenactment commemorate the event at the Arkansas Post Museum in Gillett Jan 19–20 www.arkansasstateparks.com/events/battle-of-arkansas-post-150th-anniversary-85941