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 a Federal force of 75 men under Major Robert Anderson from April 12 to 14, 1861, against Brigadier Gen. P. G. T. Beauregard and 8,000 Confederates, Fort was surrendered finally with no casualties to either side.
Although unsigned, these medals appear to have been engraved by George Hampden Lovett. The reverse of the Type II medal is also found paired with several other obverse dies as political or campaign medals.
TYPE I
Photos courtesy of W. David Perkins
Obv. Beleaguered Fort; above Bombardment of Fort Sumter; below all April 12 & 13--1861.
Rev. Fort Sumter / was evacuated / with all the honors of war / after a most heroic defense by / Maj. R. Anderson / with a garrison of / 75 men / against / a terrific bombardment / of 30 hours duration / by the So. Ca. Rebels / numbering 8,000.
HK-11 White Metal. 34mm.
HK-11b Brass.
HK-11c Copper.
HK-11f Silver.
TYPE II
Photos courtesy of W. David Perkins
Obv. Same as obverse of No. 11 [Fort Sumter].
Rev. 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. 34mm.
HK-11d White Metal.
HK-11e Copper.