United States. National Park Service
Fort Sumter: Anvil of War
Fort Sumter National Monument, South Carolina
"Fort Sumter: Anvil of War" by United States. National Park Service is a historical account published in the early 1980s. This book provides an in-depth look at the significant events surrounding Fort Sumter during the American Civil War, particularly focusing on its pivotal role as both the site of the war's first shots and as a location of prolonged conflict between Union and Confederate forces. The narrative begins with the momentous firing of the first shot on April 12, 1861, which marked the start of the Civil War, followed by an exploration of the Confederate defense of the fort over the ensuing years. The book details the initial occupation by Major Robert Anderson and the escalating tensions that led to the fort's bombardment and the eventual surrender on April 14, 1861. It also covers the subsequent military efforts by both sides to control Charleston harbor, illustrating the fort's changing significance and condition during the war and its transformation into a national monument in later years. Through a combination of historical context, military strategy, and cultural reflections, the book emphasizes Fort Sumter's enduring legacy in American history.