The Provisional Congress of the Confederate States, fully the Provisional Congress of the Confederate States of America, was a unicameral congress of deputies and delegates called together from the Southern States which became the governing body of the Provisional Government of the Confederate States from February 4, 1861, to February 17, 1862. It sat in Montgomery, Alabama, until May 21, 1861, when it adjourned to meet in Richmond, Virginia, on July 20, 1861. In both cities, it met in the existing state capitols which it shared with the respective secessionist state legislatures. It added new members as other states seceded from the Union and directed the election on November 6, 1861, at which a permanent government was elected.[1]
Digital remake of the flag used to represent the provisional government[2]
The Confederate States Constitutional Convention was held at Montgomery from February 28, 1861, to March 11, 1861.[3]
Second Session
The Second Session of the Provisional Congress was held at Montgomery from April 29, 1861, to May 21, 1861.[3] Members were present from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia,[6] and Arkansas.[7]
Third Session
The Third Session of the Provisional Congress was held at Richmond from July 20, 1861, to August 31, 1861.[3] Members were present from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, North Carolina,[8] and Tennessee.[9]
Fourth Session
The Fourth Session of the Provisional Congress was held at Richmond on September 3, 1861.[3] Members were present from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Fifth Session
The Fifth Session of the Provisional Congress was held at Richmond from November 18, 1861, to February 17, 1862.[3] Members were present from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, North Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri,[10] and Kentucky.[11] One non-voting member was present from the Arizona Territory.[12]
Representatives from states that seceded after the Battle of Fort Sumter were referred to as delegates, in contrast to the deputies from the original seven states, even though they all had the same obligations.
Martis, Kenneth C. (1994). "Chapter 2: Provisional Confederate Congress". The Historical Atlas of the Congresses of the Confederate States of America, 1861-1865. Gyula Pauer, Cartographer. New York: Simon & Schuster. pp. 7–13. ISBN0-13-389115-1.
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