Jefferson Davis inaugurated president of the Confederacy in Richmond

Background. Jefferson Davis served as the provisional president of the Confederacy following his election by a constitutional convention in Montgomery, Alabama, on February 9, 1861. He was subsequently elected for a full six-year term on November 6, 1861. The inauguration formalized his status as the permanent president, distinct from his earlier provisional role.

Inauguration. On February 22, 1862, Davis was inaugurated as president. This ceremony marked the beginning of his six-year term as the permanent president of the Confederate States. The event solidified his leadership position after his earlier election in November 1861, establishing the executive branch's formal structure.

Cabinet. Davis formed his cabinet by choosing a member from each of the states of the Confederacy, including Texas which had recently seceded. During his presidency, Davis's cabinet often changed; there were fourteen different appointees for the positions, including six secretaries of war.