Alabama governor A. B. Moore activates the Alabama militia. The Confederate Congress convenes in Montgomery, the first capital of the Confederate States of America. Sumter in Charleston harbor. The American Civil War begins. April 1862 Confederate Conscription Act passed by Confederate Congress.
Confederate troops begin looking for draft dodgers in Alabama hill country.
South retreats following bloody battle and heavy losses. Summer 1862 Confederate General Josiah Gorgas moves Mount Vernon arsenal operations north to Selma. Selma becomes an important weapons manufacturing town. South at peak of victories. Lee defeats Pope and forces northern army back.