Wednesday, January 9, 1861
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| Operation: | Charleston Harbor, SC | December 20, 1860 - April 14, 1861 | Seizure: | Fort Johnson, NC | January 9, 1861 |
(Source: Compendium of the War of the Rebellion Vol. I, p. 660-991. Frederick H. Dyer.)
Naval Events:
U.S. steamer Star of the West, under Captain McGowan, was fired on by Confederate troops from Morris Island and Fort Moultrie as she attempted to enter Charleston Harbor. Cadets from the Citadel took part in this action. The relief of Fort Sumter was not effected. These were the first Confederate shots fired at a vessel flying the United States flag. Star of the West returned to New York.(Source: Civil War Naval Chronology 1861-1865. pp. I:1-41; II:1-117; III:1-170; IV:1-152; V:1-134. 1971: Naval History Division, Navy Department.)Thirty Marines from Washington Navy Yard under First Lieutenant Andrew J. Hays, USMC, garrisoned Fort McHenry, Baltimore, until U.S. Army troops could relieve them.
Additional Information:
Mississippi passes Ordinance of Secession: yeas 84, neas 15; Mississippi secedes from the Union. In the ordinance the people of Mississippi express their consent to form a federal union with those States that have seceded or may secede from the United States of America.
Virginia Legislature passes a resolution asking that the status quo be maintained.
(Source: The Political History of the United States of America During the Great Rebellion 1860-1865. p. 2-47. Edward McPherson.)