What Were Border States in the Civil War?
The American Civil War (1861-1865) was a defining period in the country’s history, marked by deep division and conflict between the northern and southern states. Within this conflict, the concept of border states emerged, playing a crucial role in the war’s outcome.
Definition and Characteristic
Border states in the Civil War were those situated near the Mason-Dixon line, the imaginary border dividing the North from the South. These states, having strong economic and cultural ties with both the North and South, maintained a peculiar balance between the Union (North) and the Confederacy (South). Border states were:
• Del Norte (West Virginia), initially part of Virginia and subsequently admitted as a state on June 20, 1863
• Missouri, which declared itself loyal to the Union, with a majority of the state’s population remaining Confederate sympathetic
• Kentucky, torn between loyalty to the North and the South
• Maryland, bordering Pennsylvania and Washington D.C.
• Delaware, known as the "First State," with a majority Union sympathizer population
• Maryland and Kentucky were "Slave States" and Maryland held a special status because it was the first State to join the American Revolutionary War
Factors Affecting Border State Policies
Several factors contributed to the complexities faced by the border states:
- Economic ties: Strong agricultural and industrial connections existed between the North and the border states, making neutrality unsustainable.
- Fighting on both sides: With the war raging across their borders, border state populations were affected by military mobilization, leading to concerns about economic survival.
- Balancing neutrality with loyalty: Border state officials and citizens had to tread carefully, as Confederate support was strong, and some states, like Virginia and Tennessee, had a Confederate government.
Events that Shaped Border States during the Civil War
Major events and battles involving the border states included:
Battle of Bull Run
• First major Confederate victory, taking place near Washington D.C., affecting Union morale and highlighting border states’ significance.
• Border states were torn, leading to the creation of state militias to support either side.
Mobilization and Unionization of Missouri
• Pro-Union forces gained control in November 1861, after a series of battles in what became known as "Order No. 11".
• Missouri became the primary supply route for Union troops, further solidifying Union control.
Klotz-Thrust Kentucky Legislature
• The Border State’s neutrality was severely tested when Confederate General Earl Van Dorn occupied Richmond, Kentucky on September 18, 1862.
• Lincoln’s Proclamation suspending habeas corpus helped gain control over the Kentucky’s government, securing Cumberland Gap for Union control.
The Impact on Border States
Challenges and Conflicts:
• Border states faced internal conflicts, as divided citizens struggled to maintain independence
• Military conflicts directly affecting border states, as illustrated by the Battle of Pea Ridge in Maryland
• Economy in disarray, due to the war and disruptions caused by Confederate sympathizers.
Legacy of Border States
Lasting Impressions:
• Shaping the outcome of the Civil War: By limiting Confederate expansion, the Border States’ allegiance played a crucial role in securing a Union victory.
• Creating a more united Nation: The conflict reinforced national bonds, fostering a renewed commitment to unity.
• Forging the course of African American rights: With thousands of freed slaves flooding border states, new citizenship and equality demands were raised.
Summary of Border States
| State | Pro-Union/Confederate Sympathy | Economic/Cultural Ties |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | Majority Union | Strong tobacco production, economic ties to Baltimore |
| Maryland | Both sides, divided loyalty | Strategic location, slave-trading capital |
| Missouri | Majority Union, after initial pro-Confederate stance | Grain-producing state, supply route for Union troops |
| Kentucky | Both sides, loyal to neutrality | Economic interests in the Ohio River, tobacco production |
| Virginia | Majority Confederate | Leading agricultural producer, rail connectivity |
Conclusion: The Significance of Border States in the Civil War
The border states played a significant role in the Civil War, serving as the hinge between the Union and Confederacy. Their conflicting economic, cultural, and moral ties created a fragile environment, with officials and citizens struggling to maintain a precarious balance. Ultimately, these states’ allegiances shifted, with Missouri, Delaware, and Kentucky pledging loyalty to the Union. The war’s legacy still resonates, reflecting on the border states’ efforts to maintain their individualities while shaping the outcome of the conflict and future developments in the United States.
Additional References
For further reading, I suggest exploring:
- Dorris, M. (1975). The Border States during the Civil War. New York: Free Press.
- Wilson, M. (1998). The Confederates Came North: Westerners on the Border and at Pea Ridge. St. Louis: Wilson.
Additional sources:
- Ulysses S. Grant’s letters to family
- Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and later speeches
- Memoirs of Border State soldiers
- Diaries and interviews of border state citizens.
