Sumter, Fort

Fort, a national fortification situated on a shoal in Charleston harbor. It is about three miles from the city. The original fort was a brick structure with walls about forty feet in breadth, resting on a riprap foundation. The opening of the Civil War dates from the firing on Fort Sumter, April 12, 1861. The attack was conducted by General Beauregard. Major Robert Anderson, with a garrison of seventy-five men, surrendered the fort on the 13th. They were permitted to board a steamer for New York City. Authorities state that no less than 2,500 shot and shell struck the walls of the fort or fell within them. No one was hit on either side during the bombardment. Various attempts were made by the Union forces to retake Fort Sumter. General Gilmore conducted a siege lasting from August 12 to December 11, 1863. Nearly 20,000 shot struck the walls or fell within the inclosure. The walls were almost demolished, without success, however. The fort was evacuated by the Confederate army on the approach of Sherman, February 17, 1865. On April 14th the Union forces, then occupying the city, held impressive flag-raising services. The same American flag was run up that Anderson had lowered four years previously. The site is now occupied by a modern ironclad fort with steel turrets, and is defended by huge rifles and mortars of modern patterns. See Charleston; Civil War