I know quite a bit about the Civil War, but this act was news to me. On this date in 1861, the first hostile act of the Civil War occurred. The steamship Star of the West entered Charleston Harbor, and it was fired upon immediately. The captain had no choice but to order a retreat, and thankfully the ship survived this act. The ship was decommissioned, and the crew was rewarded for its bravery.
For more info:
http://famousdaily.com/history/the-first-hostile-act-of-civil.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_of_the_West
http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/major-anderson-ft-sumter_Dir/star-of-the-west.htm
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