Despite the inevitable war, the state government of Alabama handled the ensuing secession with rare attention to protocol. When enthusiastic state militiamen moved in to replace the Federal troops guarding the arsenal at Mount Vernon, Alabama, they conducted themselves politely and with a sincere interest in effecting a smooth transition. However, this veneer of gentility would disappear by the following April...when the Union became Alabama’s deadly enemy.

Mort Künstler painted this portrait of Alabama’s General John Hunt Morgan, with the state flag behind him.