What was the name of the federal fort in the harbor of Charleston, SC, that was attacked at the start of the Civil War?

Fort Sumter is recognized for being the site of the first military engagement of the Civil War. Located in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, it was a Union-held fort that became the focal point of conflict shortly after secessionists in southern states began to assert their independence from the United States. On April 12, 1861, Confederate forces opened fire on Fort Sumter, leading to its surrender by the Union garrison. This attack on Fort Sumter marked the official start of hostilities in the Civil War, symbolizing the deep divisions between the North and South over issues such as states' rights and slavery.

The other forts mentioned had significant roles in the Civil War as well but are associated with different events. Fort Pickens, also located in Florida, was another fort involved in early confrontations but did not see the same level of historic engagement as Fort Sumter. Fort Monroe, in Virginia, was significant for its strategic location and as a refuge for escaped slaves, while Fort Donelson, located in Tennessee, became notable for its fall in early 1862, significantly impacting the war in the Western Theater. Thus, Fort Sumter's importance arises from its status as the site where the Civil War started.