Major Robert Anderson’s Federal garrison formally surrenders and evacuates Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. The war has begun.

Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
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.
Confederates demand the surrender of Fort Sumter, putting North and South on the brink of war.
The South Carolinians receive word that President Lincoln will attempt to resupply Fort Sumter, and President Jefferson Davis makes a fateful decision.
William H. Seward sends a bold memo to President Lincoln offering unsolicited advice and suggesting that Seward head the administration behind the scenes.