Fort Sumter Flag facts for kids
The Fort Sumter Flag is a famous American flag. It has a special design with 33 stars shaped like a diamond. This flag became famous during the start of the American Civil War. On April 14, 1861, Confederate soldiers attacked Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina.
During the fight, the fort's main flagpole was shot down. Second Lieutenant Norman J. Hall quickly grabbed the flag. He put it back up on a temporary pole. Later that day, Major Robert Anderson lowered the flag. His soldiers had to give up the fort. This event marked the beginning of the Civil War.
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A Symbol of Hope
After the fort was given up, Major Anderson took the flag to New York City. On April 20, 1861, a huge patriotic gathering happened there. More than 100,000 people came to Union Square. The flag was flown from a statue of George Washington. This was one of the biggest public meetings in the country at that time.
Raising Money for the War
The Fort Sumter Flag then traveled across the North. It went from town to town and city to city. At each stop, the flag was "auctioned" off. This means people would bid money to "win" the flag. But anyone who won was expected to give it right back. This way, the flag could be auctioned again at the next event. This helped raise a lot of money to support the Union effort during the war. The flag became a very important symbol of patriotism for the North.
The Flag Returns to Fort Sumter
Four years later, the Civil War ended. On April 14, 1865, the Union celebrated its victory. Major Anderson, who was now a major general, returned to Fort Sumter. He proudly raised the same flag over the fort's damaged walls. It was exactly four years after he had lowered it.
Author Shelby Foote wrote that Anderson said, "I thank God that I have lived to see this day." He held the ropes of the flagpole as he spoke.
A Speech of Peace and Unity
The main speaker at the 1865 celebration was Rev. Henry Ward Beecher. He gave a long speech, which was common back then. He ended his speech by saying:
"On this solemn and joyful day, we again lift to the breeze our fathers’ flag, now, again, the banner of the United States, with the fervent prayer that God would crown it with honor, protect it from treason, and send it down to our children.... Terrible in battle, may it be beneficent in peace [and] as long as the sun endures, or the stars, may it wave over a nation neither enslaved nor enslaving.... We lift up our banner, and dedicate it to peace, Union, and liberty, now and forevermore."
– Rev. Henry Ward Beecher
Later that night, President Lincoln was shot at Ford's Theatre.
Where to See the Flag Today
The original Fort Sumter Flag is still on display. You can see it at the National Park Service museum located at Fort Sumter. You can also find many copies of the flag for sale.
