Governor Erastus Fairbanks called a special session of the Legislature on this day in 1861. The extra session was needed to discuss the Civil War and Vermont’s participation.

Laws were crafted to determine how Vermont would raise its regiments, pay its soldiers, arm its state militia, elect military officers and pay for military uniforms. Vermont appropriated over one million dollars to fight the Civil War.

The Legislature didn’t forget about the families left behind, either. Vermont’s lawmakers passed an act to provide financially for families of soldiers left to fend for themselves at home.

Image courtesy Vermont Historical Society.