March 1862

Friday 07:

Union forces led by General Samuel Curtis defeat Confederate troops under General Earl Van Dorn at Pea Ridge in northwestern Arkansas.

Saturday 08:

American Civil War: The iron-clad CSS Virginia (formerly USS Merrimack) is launched at Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Sunday 09:

In a five-hour battle near Hampton Roads, Virginia the USS Monitor fights the CSS Virginia to a draw.

Thursday 13:

American Civil War:the US federal government forbids all Union army officers from returning fugitive slaves, thus effectively annulling the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 and setting the stage for the Emancipation Proclamation.

Friday 28:

In New Mexico, Union forces succeed in stopping the Confederate invasion of New Mexico territory. The battle began on March 26.