Major Robert Anderson

Major Robert Anderson was a Union officer during the American Civil War, best known for commanding Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. When the Confederacy demanded surrender of the federal forces occupying the fort, Anderson refused, leading to the first shots of the war in April 1861. His leadership under intense pressure made him a symbol of Union resistance. Despite limited resources and mounting tension, Anderson's steadfastness helped ignite the conflict that would shape U.S. history. After the battle, he remained respected for his dedication and calm under fire.