Fort Sumter

views updated

Fort Sumter Fort in South Carolina, scene of the first hostilities of the American Civil War. In 1861 it was held by Federal forces. The Confederate authorities, having failed to negotiate a peaceful evacuation, felt compelled to take it by force. The Confederate General Beauregard opened fire on April 12, and the fort surrendered the following day.

http://www.civilwarhome.com/ftsumter.htm

More From encyclopedia.com