155 Years Ago: Star of the West Fired On

JANUARY 9TH, 1861--  U.S. steamer Star of the West, Captain McGowan, was fired on by Confederate troops from Morris Island and Fort Moultrie as she attempted to enter Charleston Harbor, S.C..  Cadets from the Citadel took part in this action  Fort Sumter was not relieved.  These were the first Confederate shots fired at a vessel flying the United States flag.  The Star of the West returned to to New York.

**  Thirty Marines from the Washington Navy Yard under First Lt. Andrew J. Hays, USMC, garrisoned Fort McHenry, Baltimore, until U.S. Army troops could relieve them.

JANUARY 10TH, 1865--  Forts Jackson and St. Philip, Mississippi River, Louisiana, were seized by Louisiana State troops.

--Old B-R'er