Reconstruction

Reconstruction was a period of time immediately following the Civil War marked by heightened racial tensions and violence, rapid advancements in civil rights, and the readmission process of Confederate states to the Union. Reconstruction is perhaps best known for the three "Reconstruction Amendments" to the United States Constitution (the 13th, 14th, and 15th) which abolished slavery in the United States; ensured equal protection under the law, due process, and natural-born citizenship; and equal voting rights.

Reconstruction in Virginia formally ended on January 26, 1870, when the Union troops were ordered to leave Virginia, which was known as the "First Military District" during Union occupation after the defeat of the Confederacy.