The flash point of the American Civil War is accepted to be Charleston Harbor with the events of December 1860 and January 1861 providing an impetus on the part of the new Confederacy to organize their forces for combat and providing the Federal Government a breathing space until the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln.

Major Robert Anderson had been sent to Fort Moultrie to take command by the Buchannan Administration in the hope that a Southern Gentlemen would be congizant and respectful of Southern Sensibilities. Major Anderson decided his duty lay with executing his vague orders from the Federal Government. He was mindful of the moves the State of South Carolina made to arm itself and the situation of his command. In his own words, Major Anderson decided to move the Fort Moultrie Garrison to Fort Sumter on the night of 26-27 December 1860 "To prevent the effusion of blood."

This action caused an up roar in South Carolina and led to a delegation demanding Major Anderson return to Fort Moultrie. Major Anderson refused under the pretense that as commander of the Defenses of Charleston Harbor he could occupy any Federal Property of this choosing. By moving the garrison he removed them from direct contact with the people of South Carolina and forced the Secessionists into a corner, where they would be required to either impose a seige or overtly attack Fort Sumter.

A merchant ship, the Star of the West, was sent with supplies but was turned back by South Carolina Artillerists on 9 January 1861. This event is still considered by the Military College of South Carolina, The Citadel, and many scholars as the first shot of the Civil War.

The Tramp Brigade Organization of Historical Interpreters has been given approval to plan and coordinate a living history to commemorate these events at Forts Moultrie and Sumter during the period of 7 to 9 January 2011. We will be planning and coordinating with concerned parties during 2009 and intend to open registration for this event in January 2010.

The Authentic Campaigner Event Focus group has bestowed on the Tramp Brigade Organization the honor of 'To Prevent the Effusion of Blood" 7-9 January 2011 being their first Maximum Effort event for 2011.  In the past month I have had meetings with leaders in the Fort Sumter / Fort Moultrie Trust and The Citadel, as well as with the hosts for this event the National Park Service.

Name - To Prevent the Effusion of Blood
Dates - 7 to 9 January 2011
Location - Forts Moultrie and Sumter, in Charleston, SC
Coordinator - Pete Berezuk - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Event Type - Semi-immersion, Historical Reenactment
Sponsor - Tramp Brigade Organization of Historical Interpreters - www.trampbrigade.com
Website - www.topreventtheeffusionofblood.com
Discussion Site - Authentic Campaigner Forum and Tramp Brigade Forum
Impression - 1st US Artillery, Civilian Laborers at Fort Sumter and South Carolina Military