National Park Service

The Civil War: 150 Years. National Park Service Sesquicentennial Commemoration.

Then: March 28, 1861

No Compromise

Cartoon showing 'Congressional Scales - A True Balance'

With many vacant seats and no hope for peace, the 37th Congress adjourns without reaching compromise. The next day, Lincoln orders a fleet to Fort Sumter.

Now: August 28-29, 1957

The Art of Obstruction

Strom Thurmond during his Senate filibuster in 1957

Attempting to prevent a vote on the Civil Rights Act of 1957, Sen. Strom Thurmond delivers the longest filibuster in U.S. history. It lasts 24 hours and 18 minutes.

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