Tennessee secedes on May 7, 1861. Secessionists…

Tennessee secedes on May 7, 1861.

Secessionists in Tennessee's state government—led by Governor Isham Harris—had sought voter approval for a convention to sever ties with the United States in February, but Tennessee voters had rejected the referendum by a 54–46% margin.

The strongest opposition to secession comes from East Tennessee (which will later try to form a separate Union-aligned state).

Following the Confederate attack upon Fort Sumter in April and Lincoln's call for troops from Tennessee and other states in response, Governor Isham Harris begins military mobilization, submits an ordinance of secession to the General Assembly, and makes direct overtures to the Confederate government.

The Tennessee legislature ratifies an agreement to enter a military league with the Confederate States on May 7, 1861.