Battle of Fort Sumter Anniversary
Special | 56sVideo has Closed Captions
April 12 marks the anniversary of the start of the American Civil War in 1861.
In Charleston, SC, the American Civil War began on April 12, 1861 when Confederate Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard's artillery fired on the Union occupied Fort Sumter. Union Major Robert Anderson moved his command to Fort Sumter shortly after South Carolina seceded the previous December. Despite Confederate demands to evacuate the fort, Maj. Anderson refused to leave until his surrender on April 13.
Battle of Fort Sumter Anniversary
Special | 56sVideo has Closed Captions
In Charleston, SC, the American Civil War began on April 12, 1861 when Confederate Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard's artillery fired on the Union occupied Fort Sumter. Union Major Robert Anderson moved his command to Fort Sumter shortly after South Carolina seceded the previous December. Despite Confederate demands to evacuate the fort, Maj. Anderson refused to leave until his surrender on April 13.
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipThe American Civil War began at Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina on April 12th, 1861.
After South Carolina seceded from the Union in December 1860, Major Robert Anderson moved his command from Fort Moultrie to the newly constructed Fort Sumter violating the unofficial truce deal between the U.S. and Confederate governments.
Over the next few months, relations between the two governments further deteriorated.
Major Anderson continuously refused Confederate demands to evacuate the fort, and General P.G.T.
Beauregard's artillery opened fire on Fort Sumter at 4:30 a.m. on April 12.
When the bombardment ended 34 hours later, Major Anderson surrendered the fort to the Confederates.
This battle caused both North and South to rally for more military action.
War had officially begun.
