May 1861

Monday 06:

American Civil War: Arkansas secedes from the Union.

Wednesday 08:

American Civil War: Richmond, Virginia, is named the capital of the Confederate States of America.

Monday 13:

American Civil War: Queen Victoria of Britain issues a "proclamation of neutrality" which recognizes the breakaway states as having belligerent rights.

Tuesday 14:

The Canellas meteorite, an 859-gram chondrite-type meteorite strikes the earth near Barcelona, Spain.

Monday 20:

American Civil War: The state of Kentucky proclaims its neutrality, which will last until September 3 when Confederate forces enter the state.

Friday 24:

American Civil War: Union troops occupy Alexandria, Virginia.