What states were border states during the Civil War?
The American Civil War, which raged from 1861 to 1865, was a pivotal moment in the history of the United States. It was a conflict primarily fought over the issue of slavery, with the Northern states, known as the Union, opposing the Southern states, known as the Confederacy. However, not all states fell neatly into one camp or the other. Among these were the border states, which were geographically located between the North and the South and often struggled to align themselves with either side. This article explores the question: what states were border states during the Civil War?
Definition of Border States
Border states were those states that bordered the Mason-Dixon line, which was a geographic boundary that roughly separated the North from the South. The Mason-Dixon line was established in the 1760s to resolve a border dispute between Maryland and Pennsylvania. The border states included Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, Missouri, and West Virginia (then a part of Virginia).
Delaware
Delaware was the only completely border state that remained in the Union throughout the Civil War. It was a small state with a population of about 90,000, and it had a significant number of slaves. However, Delaware’s economy was not heavily reliant on slavery, and its political leadership was generally opposed to secession. As a result, Delaware remained loyal to the Union and played a role in providing military support to the North.
Maryland
Maryland was another border state that remained in the Union, but it was a more contentious case. While the majority of Marylanders were against secession, the state had a significant pro-secessionist population, particularly in the Eastern Shore region. The state’s location made it a strategic point for both sides, and it was the site of several important battles, including the Battle of Antietam, which was the bloodiest single day in American history. Despite the conflict, Maryland’s government remained loyal to the Union.
Kentucky
Kentucky was a border state that struggled with internal divisions throughout the Civil War. The state had a significant number of slaves and a strong pro-slavery population, but it also had a significant number of abolitionists. The state’s government was divided, with some officials supporting the Union and others supporting the Confederacy. Kentucky was the site of several battles, including the Battle of Shiloh, and it was eventually divided into two separate states in 1863, with the western portion becoming the state of Kentucky and the eastern portion becoming the state of West Virginia.
Missouri
Missouri was another border state that was deeply divided during the Civil War. The state had a significant number of slaves and a strong pro-slavery population, but it also had a significant number of abolitionists. The state’s government was divided, with some officials supporting the Union and others supporting the Confederacy. Missouri was the site of several important battles, including the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, and it was eventually divided into two separate states in 1865, with the western portion becoming the state of Missouri and the eastern portion becoming the state of Kansas.
West Virginia
West Virginia was originally a part of Virginia, but it seceded from the Confederacy in 1861 to join the Union. The state was formed from the western counties of Virginia that were opposed to secession. West Virginia played a significant role in the Civil War, particularly in the Shenandoah Valley, which was a strategic region for both sides. The state’s economy was not heavily reliant on slavery, and its population was largely against secession.
Conclusion
The border states during the Civil War were a complex mix of political and social divisions. While some states, like Delaware and Maryland, remained loyal to the Union, others, like Kentucky and Missouri, were deeply divided and played significant roles in the conflict. The experiences of these states highlight the complexity of the Civil War and the challenges faced by those living in a nation divided.
