Timeline

January 1: President Lincoln issues Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves in areas in rebellion against the United States

January 4: Jewish emissaries, including Cesar Kaskel, persuade President Lincoln to revoke General Orders No. 11

July 1-3: Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, turns the tide in the war

July 31: Washington Hebrew Congregation dedicates first building, at 8th and I Streets, NW