Flags of Fort Sumter

This 33-star United States flag flew over Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861.  It was the target of the first shots of the American Civil War.

NPS/M. Buchanan

What comes to mind when you see a United States flag? What attributes, rights, or experiences does the flag represent to you?

The events that happened at Fort Sumter helped to expand the meaning of the United States flag. When the Confederacy fired on a US flag at Fort Sumter in April of 1861, it began four deadly years of war. That war tested whether the United States would endure -- and would bring millions of Americans closer to the freedoms promised in the country's founding documents. Many would have their view of the flag shaped by a battle fought, a ballot cast, or a funeral attended.

Today, Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie NHP houses three historic flags in its museum collections. All three flags flew over Fort Sumter in April of 1861 -- two for the United States, and one for a Confederate-aligned militia unit. The park is proud to take care of these artifacts, and hope that you take the time to learn about their history and importance.

 

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  The Fort Sumter Storm Flag

  The "storm flag", a 33-star United States flag, flew over Fort Sumter on April 12th, 1861, during the first battle of the Civil War.

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  The Palmetto Guard Flag

  The Palmetto Guard flag was the first Confederate-aligned flag to fly over Fort Sumter after the first battle of the Civil War.

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  The Fort Sumter Garrison Flag

  The "garrison flag", larger than the storm flag but also bearing 33 stars, flew over Fort Sumter in the months before the Civil War began.