When the Union troops surrendered Fort Sumter, the condition of the fort was heavily damaged.

On April 13, 1861, Union troops capitulated at Fort Sumter, which had sustained severe damage. After enduring 34 hours of continuous bombardment from Confederate artillery, the fort experienced significant destruction, including major breaches in its walls and weakened defenses. While some sections of the fort remained standing, its overall state served as a powerful testament to the ferocity of the conflict. This surrender signified the onset of the Civil War, emphasizing Fort Sumter's strategic significance in Charleston Harbor. This crucial moment highlighted the growing rift between the North and South, ultimately influencing the trajectory of American history.