Battle of Fort Sumter
1861-04-12Charleston, South Carolinahigh importance
On April 12, 1861, Confederate batteries opened fire on the Union-held Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. After 34 hours of bombardment, the fort surrendered. This was the first battle of the American Civil War and transformed the secession crisis into an armed conflict.
Key Takeaways
1
First shots of the Civil War
2
Forced Lincoln to call for troops
3
Unified Northern resolve to preserve the Union