South Carolina in Credo: Civil War

The American Civil War began in April 1861 and ended in April 1865. Those four years transformed American society.

The Confederate States of America (1861-65), the government established by the Southern states of the United States after their secession from the Union.

Fortification, built 1829–60, on a shoal at the entrance to the harbor of Charleston, S.C., and named for Gen. Thomas Sumter; scene of the opening engagement of the Civil War.

From The Reader's Companion to American History
Secession, as it applies to the outbreak of the American Civil War, comprises the series of events that began on December 20, 1860, and extended through June 8 of the next year when eleven states in the Lower and Upper South severed their ties with the Union.

From Bridgeman Images: The Bridgeman Art Library

Credit: Bombardment of Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbour, 12th & 13th April 1861, pub. by Currier & Ives (colour litho), American School, (19th century) / Private Collection / The Bridgeman Art Library

From Bridgeman Images: Peter Newark American Pictures

Credit: The Charleston Zouave Cadets of the Confederate Army, 1861 (b/w photo), American Photographer, (19th century) / Private Collection / Peter Newark Military Pictures / The Bridgeman Art Library

From Bridgeman Images: Peter Newark American Pictures

Credit: Notice announcing that South Carolina will leave the United States, published in the Abbeville Banner Extra, 1860 (litho), American School, (19th century) / Private Collection / Peter Newark American Pictures / The Bridgeman Art Library

From Bridgeman Images: Peter Newark American Pictures

Credit: The War in America: The Federals shelling the city of Charleston, contemporary illustration from 'The Illustrated London News' (engraving), English School, (19th century) (after) / Private Collection / Peter Newark American Pictures / The Bridgeman Art Library