Battle of Fort Sumter
Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.
What happened
Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard attacked Fort Sumter, held by a small United States Army garrison under Major Robert Anderson. After South Carolina left the Union in December 1860, Major Anderson moved his soldiers into Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. Confederate leaders demanded that Anderson leave, and he refused. Confederate cannons bombarded the fort for 34 hours, and Anderson agreed to evacuate.
Why it matters
Result: Confederate victory Confederacy captures Fort Sumter Beginning of the American Civil War. Leaders: Robert Anderson against P. G. T. Beauregard. Why it matters: These were the first shots of the American Civil War. Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers, and four more slave states left the Union.
What came next
Four years to the day after lowering the flag, on April 14, 1865, Anderson raised it over the fort again.
Did you know?
There were no deaths on either side as a direct result of the bombardment.
Timeline
- December 1860South Carolina leaves the Union, and Anderson moves his garrison to Fort Sumter.
- April 12, 1861Confederate guns open fire on Fort Sumter.
- April 13, 1861Anderson agrees to evacuate the fort.
- April 14, 1865Anderson raises the same flag over the fort again.