On this date 150 years ago, as Lincoln travelled to his inauguration in Washington, D.C., he made numerous stops along the way. Speaking before various groups, the President-elect was cautious in expressing his opinions. To German-Americans in Cincinnati, Ohio, he stated his earlier intention of remaining silent about "national difficulties". Earlier, in that same city, he had asked the citizenry to remain loyal to the Constitution.

Jefferson Davis was making his way to the Confederate capital and, like Lincoln, spoke to the crowds gathered along the way. He observed that the possible outcome of secession was war.

In Arkansas, State troops took possession of United States munition at Napoleon, AR.