Visiting Where the Civil War Began - Fort Sumter

(Charleston)  It was a beautiful and somewhat chilly day.  We were both interested in visiting Fort Sumter and learning more about what happened on April 12, 1861.  It is a man made island at the entrance of the Charleston Harbor and is now a National Monument.  Be sure to arrive early and spend some time reading the displays in the visitors center.  It really helps you understand what took place.

We rode this paddle boat over to the island. It was a very nice trip and a wonderful way to see some of the islands and Charleston Battery.  You can see the islands that were involved in the first battle of the Civil War. 

A park ranger meets you upon arrival and explains some of the history of the fort. Only one flag was flying due to the anniversary of Major Anderson moving his troops to this fort from Sullivan's Island in 1860.  This move made the South very angry. 

Fort Sumter

Here our a few "cliff notes" regarding our nations history.  South Carolina was the first state to succeed from the Union.  The fort was at the entrance of the a very important harbor and they demanded that the fort be vacated by the North under the command of Major Robert Anderson and his army of 85 men.. He refused and several hours later the first cannon shot was fired from James Island under the command of  Brig. General Pierre Beauregard towards Fort Sumter. Thirty four hours later Major Anderson surrendered and he was allowed to leave with his army  by a supply ship sent by the North. 

“The firing upon that fort will inaugurate a civil war greater than any the world has yet seen.”
  Robert Toombs, Confederate secretary of state, 1861.


The South continued to control and defend this fort from many assaults for another four years during the Civil War.
 

You can see from this map below how important Fort Sumter was to the South.  The green balloon is Fort Sumter, red is Fort Johnson (first shots fired by the South) and purple is Charleston.

 
 

View Fort Sumter in a larger map

This tour is a great chance to really understand some of our  history and is  very well done by the park service.  We learned so much more than I can convey here.  You have about an hour to walk around the fort and there is another museum and gift shop on site.  Here are a few more pictures.

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Jennifer and Carol

Later that evening we were able to have dinner with my girl friends daughter, Jennifer. She has lived in Charleston for about a year.  She works in the downtown area for a very exclusive clothing store.  She really likes her job and this city.  It was wonderful to see her. 

Tomorrow we leave for Savannah.  We plan to spend a few days at the Skidaway Island State Park.