OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Confederates open fire on the Federal garrison at Fort Sumter, touching off the most horrific conflict in American history.
Category: Military
The Reinforcement of Fort Pickens
Federals break an unofficial truce by reinforcing Fort Pickens, a vital installation near Pensacola, Florida. This changes the strategic landscape and intensifies the conflict.
Demanding the Evacuation of Fort Sumter
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Confederates demand the surrender of Fort Sumter, putting North and South on the brink of war.
The War Policy Prevails
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: The South Carolinians receive word that President Abraham Lincoln will attempt to resupply Fort Sumter, which prompts President Jefferson Davis to make a fateful decision.
Determining to Re-enforce Fort Pickens
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: President Abraham Lincoln orders the reinforcement of Fort Pickens at Pensacola, but mix-ups in orders make it more difficult than intended.
Faith as to Sumter Fully Kept
Confederates grow increasingly suspicious of William H. Seward’s vague pledge that the Federals would abandon Fort Sumter.