Fort Sumter Union Flag

This flag represented the time period between 1859-1861. The Fort Sumter Flag is a historic United States flag with a distinctive, diamond-shaped pattern of 33 stars.

The Battle of Fort Sumter (April 12–13, 1861) was the bombardment of Fort Sumter near Charleston, South Carolina by the Confederate States Army, and the return of gunfire and subsequent surrender by the United States Army, that started the American Civil War.

Following the declaration of secession by South Carolina on December 20, 1860, its authorities demanded that the U.S. Army abandon its facilities in Charleston Harbor. On December 26, Major Robert Anderson of the U.S. Army surreptitiously moved his small command from the vulnerable Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island to Fort Sumter, a substantial fortress built on an island controlling the entrance of Charleston Harbor. An attempt by U.S. President James Buchanan to reinforce and resupply Anderson using the unarmed merchant ship Star of the West failed when it was fired upon by shore batteries on January 9, 1861. South Carolina authorities then seized all Federal property in the Charleston area except for Fort Sumter.

During the early months of 1861, the situation around Fort Sumter increasingly began to resemble a siege. In March, Brigadier General P. G. T. Beauregard, the first general officer of the newly formed Confederate States Army, was placed in command of Confederate forces in Charleston. Beauregard energetically directed the strengthening of batteries around Charleston harbor aimed at Fort Sumter. Conditions in the fort, growing increasingly dire due to shortages of men, food, and supplies, deteriorated as the Union soldiers rushed to complete the installation of additional guns.

The resupply of Fort Sumter became the first crisis of the administration of the newly inaugurated U.S. President Abraham Lincoln following his victory in the election of November 6, 1860. He notified the Governor of South Carolina, Francis W. Pickens that he was sending supply ships, which resulted in an ultimatum from the Confederate government for the immediate evacuation of Fort Sumter, which Major Anderson refused.

Beginning at 4:30 a.m. on April 12, the Confederates bombarded the fort from artillery batteries surrounding the harbor. Although the Union garrison returned fire, they were significantly outgunned and, after 34 hours, Major Anderson agreed to evacuate. There were no deaths on either side as a direct result of this engagement, although a gun explosion during the surrender ceremonies on April 14 caused two Union deaths.

Following the battle, there was widespread support from both North and South for further military action. Lincoln’s immediate call for 75,000 volunteers to suppress the rebellion resulted in an additional four southern states also declaring their secession and joining the Confederacy. The battle is usually recognized as the first battle that opened the American Civil War.

On April 14, 1865, four years to the day after lowering the Fort Sumter Flag in surrender, Robert Anderson (by then a major general, although ill and in retired status) returned to the ruined fort to raise the flag he had lowered in 1861.

Dry-Fit Jersey Mesh Polo

The entire Proud Americans Who Serve Polo line is made with high-quality polyester material to ensure you have a polo shirt that will be the same size and quality after numerous washes with colors that are unwavering in detail and resilience in color.

The Proud Americans Who Serve polo has unparalleled breathability for superior cooling. Jersey mesh technology ensures breathable comfort all day long. This technology locks in color; keeping the designs and colors crisp-making these polos a must-have fan favorite all season long.

The Proud Americans Who Serve Polos are made with flatlock stitching using 4 needles with 6 threads overlocking.

Polo Details:

165 gsm / 4.87-ounce, 100% Jersey mesh polyester (front, back, and side panels)
Moisture-wicking, eco-friendly, quick-dry material
Around the neck tag-free label
Flat knit collar
3-button placket with dyed-to-match black buttons
Set-in, open hem sleeves
The official Proud Americans Who Serve label inside the collar
Unisex
Packaged in individual polybags

Caring for your Proud Americans Who Serve Polo

Please adhere to these washing and drying instructions to ensure your shirt lasts for years to come.

• MACHINE WASH COLD
• WASH INSIDE OUT WITH LIKE COLORS
• DO NOT USE SOFTENERS
• REMOVE IMMEDIATELY
• DO NOT ALLOW TO LAY ON ITSELF WHEN WET
• DO NOT BLEACH
• COOL IRON
• DO NOT IRON DESIGN
• DO NOT DRY CLEAN
• TUMBLE DRY LOW