Chapter 2: Ft. Sumter Becomes the Flashpoint

When South Carolina secedes on December 20, 1860, it demands that Washington turn over all federal property to the state – including the four forts in Charleston Harbor. Despite a lack of direction from DC, the local Union commander, Major Robert Anderson, assembles all of his forces at Ft. Sumter on December 26, to prepare for a possible attack.

He has 10 officers and 75 enlisted men there, along with 75 day laborers and 40 women and children. The 60 cannon in the fort are all pointed east to the sea, away from the city threat, and only 700 artillery shells are on hand. His food supply is also low and he has no way of replenishing it. Still he is determined to hold his ground.