After struggling through a horrific storm on the Atlantic, the Federal naval squadron attacks and captures a vital Confederate port.

Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
After struggling through a horrific storm on the Atlantic, the Federal naval squadron attacks and captures a vital Confederate port.
A massive Federal armada begins arriving off Port Royal, S.C., with plans to bombard the forts guarding the port into submission.
A massive Federal army-navy expedition leaves Hampton Roads to capture Port Royal, South Carolina, between Charleston and Savannah.
Major Robert Anderson’s Federal garrison formally surrenders and evacuates Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. The war has begun.
The bombardment of Fort Sumter ends when Major Robert Anderson agrees to surrender his Federal garrison and evacuate.
Confederates open fire on the Federal garrison at Fort Sumter, touching off the most horrific conflict in American history.