Second Battle of Fort Sumter

Other Names: Charleston Harbor, Morris Island

Location: Charleston Harbor, South Carolina

Campaign: Operations against Defenses of Charleston (1863)

Date: August 17-December 31, 1863

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Quincy Gillmore [US]; Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard [CS]

Forces Engaged: Morris Island Batteries [US]; Fort Sumter Garrison

Casualties and losses: 128

Result(s): Inconclusive

Brief Description:

Federal batteries erected on Morris Island opened fire on August 17 and continued their bombardment of Fort Sumter and the Charleston defenses until August 23. Despite a severe pounding, Fort Sumter's garrison held out. Siege operations continued against Fort Wagner on Morris Island. After the unsuccessful boat assault, the bombardment recommenced and proceeded with varying degree of intensity, doing more damage to Fort Sumter until the end of the war. The garrison continued to suffer casualties. The Confederates continued to salvage guns and other material from the ruins and harassed the Union batteries on Morris Island with sharpshooters.