Firing on the Start of the West

The first shots fired between forces of the North and South occurred on January 9, 1861, when cadets from the Citadel, who were stationed on Morris Island in Charleston Harbor, opened fire on the Star of the West, a ship carrying supplies and reinforcements to Major Anderson on Fort Sumter. These were the first shots fired in what would soon be declared war between the North and South.

"Firing on the 'Star of the West' From the South Carolina Battery on Morris Island, January 10, 1861." New York: Harper's Weekly. January 26, 1861. Wood engraving. 9 1/4 x 13 3/4. A few small spots.

This print appeared in Harper's only about two weeks after the event. $55

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