You Are There – Bombardment Of Fort Sumpter, 1861AD. 490522.

Tension hangs in the air as CBS reporters stand by to share the details of the events at Fort Sumpter, and the opening events of the Civil war.

Provisions are running low, and a blockade has been going on since the election of Abraham Lincoln. inside the fort, officers work through the logistics of resupply, and the dangers of facing fire from the Confederate guns. CBS reporters analyze the possibilities of a peaceful surrender of the Fort. In washington, Abraham Lincoln tells his official stance on the matter. Issues behind the rift that could lead to war are mentioned: The Constitution, slavery, and dissolving the union of the states.

Switching to the seat of the Confederate government in Montgomery Alabama, reporters get the word from Jefferson Davis. The Southerners feel this situation is a throwing down of the gauntlet. They feel that promises from the capital have been withheld, and there’s no other option than to take Fort Sumpter by force. Back at the fort, a party atmospere rules the day on shore as civilian onllokers fall out in full force.

will they get a show of fireworks today? The band plays Dixie, as the crowds cheer. Doesn’t anybody realize the far reaching repercussions of what firing this first shot will mean? Everybody seems to know but nobody seems to care. The festivities breakdown into a blow by blow report as frantic reporters broadcast the battle.

a party atmospere rules the day on shore as civilian onllokers fall out in full force. will they get a show of fireworks today? The band plays Dixie, as the crowds cheer. Doesn’t anybody realize the far reaching repercussions of what firing this first shot will mean? Everybody seems to know but nobody seems to care. The festivities breakdown into a blow by blow report as frantic reporters broadcast the battle.