This documentary about Fort Sumter examines why the site for the fort was chosen, how Fort Sumter became the starting point of the Civil War, and how the Confederates held onto the site for four years despite being outnumbered. The program travels to many sites around Fort Sumter—from the fort where the historic shot was fired that signaled the start of the Civil War, to the Port Royal Sound area where the North began its drive to Fort Sumter and the city of Charleston. Period photographs from Charleston are matched with present-day footage to show how the city has changed and how it has stayed the same.

 

Fort Sumter: April 12, 1861 (Produced 1995)
Episode 3

Video

At 4:30 in the morning, on April 12, 1861, a shot fired from Fort Johnson signaled the beginning of the Civil War. Miraculously, during the thirty four hour engagement, no one was killed. Major Robert...
Fort Sumter 1861-1863 (Produced 1995)
Episode 4

Video

Between 1861 and 1863, no real attempt was made on the fort. This gave the Confederates time to repair and reinforce Fort Sumter. The North prepared to blockade the Southern coast. The Confederacy...
Fort Sumter: Secessionville (Produced 1995)
Episode 5

Video

In the spring of 1862, Robert Smalls, on board the Planter, sailed towards the Union fleet, and gave them valuable information about Confederate positions. The Union then organizes troops to land on...
Fort Sumter: Taking Morris Island (Produced 1995)
Episode 6

Video

Samuel F. Du Pont took Port Royal Sound, South Carolina, in November 1861. Now, in April 1863, the Union wanted to send Du Pont, at the helm of their most powerful naval fleet, to attack Fort Sumter...
Fort Sumter: Siege Of Charleston (Produced 1995)
Episode 7

Video

With Morris Island now under Union control, they construct their own battery, and attack the city of Charleston. A parrot rifle, known as the “Swamp Angel” began shelling the city. Between August 1863...