November 1861

Friday 01:

American Civil War: US President Abraham Lincoln appoints George McClellan as commander of the Union Army, replacing the aged General Winfield Scott.

Saturday 02:

American Civil War: Western Department Union General John C. Fremont is relieved of command and replaced by David Hunter.

Monday 04:

The University of Washington opens in Seattle, Washington as the Territorial University

Wednesday 06:

American Civil War: Jefferson Davis is elected president of the Confederate States of America.

Thursday 07:

In Belmont, Missouri, Union forces led by General Ulysses S. Grant overrun a Confederate camp but are forced to retreat when Confederate reinforcements arrive.

Friday 08:

American Civil War: The "Trent Affair" – The USS San Jacinto stops the United Kingdom mailship Trent and arrests two Confederate envoys, sparking a diplomatic crisis between the UK and US.

Thursday 21:

American Civil War: Confederate President Jefferson Davis appoints Judah Benjamin secretary of war.