This day in Charleston

March 17

2 entries · 1861–1864

1861Fort Sumter

A salute that gave the guns away

Anderson reported that the previous day’s unusual activity in the batteries had been preparation for a distinguished visitor — supposed to be Vice-President Alexander Stephens. All the Morris Island batteries but one fired three rounds, most of the guns not bearing on Sumter shotted, “as much for practice as for saluting.” The salute let Anderson fix their positions and approximate calibers.

Official Records, Series I, Vol. 1

1864Fort Sumter

A 42-pounder comes down at night

A wooden gunboat and a monitor went south. A 42-pounder banded and rifled gun was received at the fort overnight, and beyond the day's five shots there was no further firing. Fort Sumter was still being armed in the third year of its own destruction.

Fort Sumter post returns, OR I, 35, Pt. 1

Entries are dated from the War of the Rebellion official records, the naval official records and contemporary Charleston sources. Browse the whole year.