The attack on Fort Sumter was a significant event that marked the beginning of the American Civil War. Here are the key details:
Date and Location:
- Date: April 12, 1861, through April 14, 1861
- Location: Fort Sumter, located in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina.
Background:
- Secession: Following the election of Abraham Lincoln in November 1860, several Southern states seceded from the Union. South Carolina was the first to secede, doing so in December 1860.
- Fort Sumter's Status: At the time, Fort Sumter was a federal military installation that was one of the few remaining Union-held positions in the South. Tensions escalated as Confederate forces demanded the surrender of the fort.
The Attack:
- Initial Bombardment: On April 12, 1861, Confederate forces, led by Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard, opened fire on Fort Sumter at approximately 4:30 AM. The bombardment lasted for 34 hours.
- Union Defenders: The fort was commanded by Major Robert Anderson, who had a garrison of about 85 soldiers. The Union forces were under-resourced and unable to fight back effectively against the well-equipped Confederate artillery.
Outcome:
- Surrender: On April 13, 1861, Major Anderson surrendered Fort Sumter to the Confederate forces. The Union troops were allowed to evacuate and were able to leave the fort with honors.
- Casualties: There were no fatalities during the bombardment, although one soldier died during a cannon explosion during the surrender.
Significance:
- Start of the Civil War: The attack on Fort Sumter ignited the Civil War, leading to a full-scale conflict between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy).
- Mobilization: Following the attack, President Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers to suppress the rebellion, further escalating tensions and leading to additional states joining the Confederacy.
Legacy:
- Fort Sumter became a symbol of the Civil War and is remembered for its role as the first engagement between the Union and Confederate forces. Today, Fort Sumter is a national monument and a prominent historical site that commemorates the events of that fateful day.