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Fort Sumter
The Confederate attack on this fort turned
southern secession into Civil War.

Charleston's historic Battery district is best viewed from lonely Fort Sumter.
Charleston, South Carolina, exemplifies Southern charm and hospitality and sets the gold standard for historic districts. Even more important for the historic traveler is a site in Charleston harbor: Fort Sumter.

When South Carolina seceded from the United States in December 1860, it demanded all the Federal property within its borders, but the United States held on to Fort Moultrie on Charleston harbor. Its commander, Major Robert Anderson, doubted he could defend the decrepit fort against the attack that was sure to come, so on December 26 he moved his men a mile across the harbor to Fort Sumter. Though still under construction, the fort's imposing three stories and its location on an island in the harbor gave Anderson's meager garrison a fighting chance.



At 4:30 a.m., April 12, 1861, the first Confederate shell burst above the fort, opening the Civil War.
South Carolina interpreted Anderson's move as belligerent and ringed the harbor with artillery batteries. As Anderson readied the fort for battle, President James Buchanan sent the Star of the West, an unarmed merchant ship loaded with supplies and 200 reinforcements, to Charleston. The city's guns forced the ship to turn back before it could reach Sumter. In March of 1861 the Southern states formed the Confederate States of America as Abraham Lincoln assumed the presidency of the United States. CSA President Jefferson Davis put Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard in charge of the Fort Sumter situation.

Lincoln wavered on whether to reprovision the fort or simply let it go, perhaps in exchange for keeping Virginia in the Union. When Lincoln finally decided to resupply the fort, the Confederates saw the decision as a violation of CSA territorial integrity. Beauregard demanded that Anderson surrender. Anderson stood fast, and at 4:30 a.m., April 12, 1861, the first Confederate shell burst above the fort, opening the Civil War. Fort Sumter surrendered on April 13. Four years later, almost to the day, Anderson returned, this time to raise the Union flag again over Fort Sumter.

Fort Sumter National Monument is open daily except Christmas, with hours varying seasonally. Boats to the fort depart from several points and charge a fare. Special programs in April commemorate the battle. For details call (804) 883-3123 or visit the fort's website at www.nps.gov/fosu. For information on visiting Charleston, contact the Visitor Reception Center at 375 Meeting St., (804) 853-8000.


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Photo: National Park Service
Image: Photo: National Park Service