Mississippi readmitted to the Union

Background. The Reconstruction era followed the American Civil War and was dominated by the legal, social, and political challenges of abolishing slavery and reintegrating the former Confederate States into the United States. During this period, Mississippi's first constitutional convention in 1868, with delegates both black and white, framed a constitution whose major elements would be maintained for 22 years. Upon his 1869 inauguration, President Grant bolstered Reconstruction by prodding Congress to readmit Virginia, Mississippi, and Texas, while ensuring their state constitutions protected every citizen's voting rights.

Readmission. Mississippi was restored to the Union on February 23, 1870, under the terms of Reconstruction. This date marks the end of military control and the beginning of representation in Congress. The readmission was part of a series of actions by Congress and President Grant to reintegrate Southern states while protecting citizens' rights.