
A formidable challenge
This 1863 map of Morris Island, South Carolina, shows why taking Fort Wagner was so difficult. It is located three-quarters of the way up the island when approached...

Fall in!
This photograph, taken in 1898 in Greenville, South Carolina, captured troops from the 5th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Greenville was home to Camp Wetherill,...

Fort Sumter has fallen
This telegram notified Secretary of War Simon Cameron of the outcome of the battle that began the Civil War in earnest. It was sent by Maj. Robert Anderson, commander...

Indiana weighs in
South Carolina sent a copy of its nullification ordinance to each state. The Indiana State Legislature passed its own joint resolution opposing South Carolina’s...

Missing in action
This list includes all the enlisted men of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment missing—and presumed dead—after the assault on Fort Wagner. The total loss was...

Nullification Ordinance
After 1832 supporters of nullification gained a two-thirds majority in the South Carolina legislature and called a state convention. The ordinance stated that it was...

South Carolina protests
In 1828 Congress passed a tax on imports known as the “Tariff of Abominations.” The South Carolina Legislature published this document arguing against tariffs.