Which 11 Southern states seceded from the Union during the American Civil War?

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During the American Civil War, 11 Southern states formally seceded from the Union to form the Confederate States of America. These states withdrew through conventions or legislative action between December 1860 and May 1861.123

The 11 states that constituted the Confederacy are:

  • South Carolina (December 20, 1860)23
  • Mississippi (January 1861)2
  • Florida (January 1861)2
  • Alabama (January 1861)2
  • Georgia (January 1861)2
  • Louisiana (January 1861)2
  • Texas (February 1, 1861)23
  • Virginia (April 17, 1861)23
  • Arkansas (May 6, 1861)23
  • Tennessee (May 7, 1861)23
  • North Carolina (May 20, 1861)23

While secessionist movements also occurred in border states such as Kentucky and Missouri, their actions were considered irregular, and they did not formally secede from the Union in the same manner as the 11 states listed above.3