In Arizona, an unauthorized convention meets to form a provisional government

In Tuscon, Arizona, an unauthorized convention was held to inaugurate a provisional government until Congress organized a Territorial Government.  Thirty-one delegates named L.S. Owings as governor, adopted New Mexico Territory laws, and outlined a legislature.  Little came of the effort and in 1861 parts of southern Arizona declared for the Confederacy.  Congress finally authorized the Arizona Territory on February 24, 1863.  (By John Osborne)