Episode 30: Fort Sumter

In April of 1861, the eyes of all the states turned towards a little-known fortification in Charleston harbor known as Sumter. On that site everything came to tense standoff. Union against Confederate, ambition against loyalty, treason against fidelity. Many men tried to avoid the shedding of blood, yet in the end all their efforts only made the clash inevitable. Or perhaps it was simply that even the most zealous advocates for peace could not avert the desire of others for war. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit uscivilwar.substack.com