The bombardment of Fort Sumter began on April 12, 1861, executed by Confederate forces under General P.G.T. Beauregard. The fort, located in Charleston Harbor, was a Union stronghold and its defense was crucial for Federal presence in the South. As tensions escalated following the secession of Southern states, President Abraham Lincoln had attempted to resupply the fort, which led the Confederates to act aggressively. The first shots of the American Civil War were fired when Confederate artillery opened fire, marking a significant turning point in U.S. history.

The bombardment lasted for 34 hours, after which Union Major Robert Anderson was forced to surrender Fort Sumter on April 13. Interestingly, no soldiers were killed during the bombardment, although significant damage was inflicted upon the fort. The surrender ceremony involved a poignant moment when Union colors were lowered, symbolizing a shift in power. The Confederacy viewed this as a victorious campaign, instilling a sense of unity and purpose among the Southern states.

The fall of Fort Sumter galvanized both the North and the South into active participation in what would become a brutal and protracted conflict. Lincoln’s subsequent call for 75,000 volunteers to suppress the rebellion led to increased enlistment across the Union, while the Confederacy solidified its resolve to defend its newly claimed sovereignty. The event is often considered the official start of the American Civil War, igniting widespread conflict and significant military engagements across the country.