Bombardment of Fort Sumter - 1861 - Charleston, SC
Extensive research fails to establish origin of these medals which obviously commemorate initial engagement of Civil War.
Following 1860 election of Abraham Lincoln as United States President, South Carolina was first state to secede from Union on Dec. 20, 1860. Bombardment of Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor was first clash of armed forces of North and South.
Defended by Federal force of 75 men under Major Robert Anderson from April 12 to 14, 1861, against Brigadier General P. G. T. Beauregard and 8,000 Confederates, Fort was surrendered finally with no casualties to either side.
TYPE I
Obverse: Beleaguered Fort; above Bombardment of Fort Sumter; below all April 12 & 13—1861.
Reverse: Fort Sumter / was evacuated / with all the honors of war / after a most heroic defense by / Mat. R. Anderson / with a garrison of / 75 men / against / a terrific bombardment / of 30 hours duration / by the So. Ca. Rebels / numbering 8000.
HK-11 - White Metal. Size 22
HK-11b - Copper.
 
Image provided by John Dean
TYPE II
Obverse: Same as above.
Reverse:Eagle within circle of 34 stars; outside, above around One Flag and One Union; below, around Now and Forever; outside all, circle of leaves; beaded border.
HK-11a - Brass. Size 22
HK-11c - White Metal.
HK-11d - Copper.
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