April 12th, 1861

[GritsRgreat]

Under orders from Confederate President Jefferson Davis, troops controlled by the Confederate government under P. G. T. Beauregard bombarded Fort Sumter on April 12, forcing its capitulation. Northerners rallied behind Lincoln's call for all the states to send troops to recapture the forts and to preserve the Union, citing presidential powers given by the Militia Acts of 1792. With the scale of the rebellion apparently small so far, Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers for 90 days. For months before that, several Northern governors had discreetly readied their state militias; they began to move forces the next day. On May 3, 1861, Lincoln called for an additional 42,034 volunteers for a period of three years. Four states in the upper South (Tennessee, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Virginia), which had repeatedly rejected Confederate overtures, now refused to send forces against their neighbors, declared their secession, and joined the Confederacy.

[Johnny Rockets]

Saw on the news that they will be firing the cannons off today at Ft. Sumter to commemerate. Also got me thinking that 150 years ago is not all that long ago and it is amazing how much all things have changed since then.

[Zod]

150 years ago... not very long at all in the grand scheme of things.

[GritsRgreat]

Saw on the news that they will be firing the cannons off today at Ft. Sumter to commemerate. Also got me thinking that 150 years ago is not all that long ago and it is amazing how much all things have changed since then.

Yep, i wanted so bad to make the trip to Charleston but i'm needed at home.

[mmmbeans]

been watching ken burns' Civil War the last week. forgot how good it is.

[GritsRgreat]

been watching ken burns' Civil War the last week. forgot how good it is.

Its amazing and Gettysburg is one of my favorite movies of all time.