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Today in History: Bouligny Defies Louisiana Secession in Congress Speech

2/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 5, 1861, Representative John Edward Bouligny defied Louisiana's secession by refusing to resign from Congress. As the only Louisiana congressman to remain in office after the state's decision to leave the Union, Bouligny's stance highlighted the deep divisions within the country during this tumultuous period leading up to the Civil War.

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Story summary

On February 5, 1861, Representative John Edward Bouligny defied Louisiana's secession by refusing to resign from Congress. As the only Louisiana congressman to remain in office after the state's decision to leave the Union, Bouligny's stance highlighted the deep divisions within the country during this tumultuous period leading up to the Civil War.