Tensions rose in Mississippi and across nation as fighting broke out between pro- and anti-slavery settlers in the territories.
1854: Kansas-Nebraska Act allows new territories to vote on slavery
1854: John J. Pettus becomes Mississippi’s twentieth governor
Governor John J. Pettus
Pettus served as governor for the days between the resignation of Henry Foote and the inauguration of his successor, John J. McRae.
Link to the catalog1854: John J. McRae becomes Mississippi’s twenty-first governor
Governor John J. McRae
McRae served from 1854 to 1857.
Link to the catalog