The First Shot

This short pictorial history documents the first shot of the Civil War, the Confederate bombardment of Fort Sumter on April 12-13, 1861. Historians Robert N. Rosen and Richard W. Hatcher III have gathered, in one book, more illustrations and photographs about the "First Shot" than can be found in any other previous book. Here the reader will find the dramatic story--in words and pictures--of the leaders, personalities, soldiers, forts, and the dramatic artillery bombardment itself, all under one cover.

Robert N. Rosen is a native Charlestonian, a lawyer, and the author of A Short History of Charleston and Confederate Charleston, among other books. He currently serves as president of the Fort Sumter-Fort Moultrie Historical Trust, on the Web at www.sccivilwar.org. Richard W. Hatcher III is historian at the Fort Sumter National Monument. The National Park Service has encouraged the creation of local charitable foundations to act as "friends" of national monuments. The Fort Sumter-Fort Moultrie Historical Trust is such a 501(c)(3) foundation, which raises tax-deductible funds to put on public programs to support Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie and to further their educational and historical purposes. The trust has taken the lead in commemorating the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War in the South Carolina Lowcountry. The authors' royalties from the sale of this book will go to the trust.