January 1861: American Civil War | Cotton South secedes | Fort Sumter & Fort Pickney | First Action

In January, 1861, the first shots of the Civil War rang out. The Star of the West, a supply ship, is fired on while approaching Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. South Carolina militia fired from Fort Moultrie and Morris Island. The US garrison at Fort Pickens in Pensacola, Florida finds itself besieged like Fort Sumter. Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Louisiana joined South Carolina in rebellion against the United States. James Buchanan's administration is paired with treason by northern newspapers. John Floyd, the former secretary of war, is indicted for conspiracy. Winfield Scott promises safety in Washington. Kansas enters the Union as a free state. Senator Crittenden tries to keep peace. The new Confederate leaders plan to meet at Montgomery, Alabama to form a government. Jefferson Davis is considered for the presidency of this new nation. Robert Anderson communicates with Governor Francis Pickens to no avail. The American Civil War creeps closer. More forts are captured in South, like Fort Pulaski, Fort St. Philip, Fort McRee, Fort Barrancas, and others. The Navy Yard in Pensacola under James Armstrong is captured by rebels. This short film was produced by Jeffrey Meyer