The Union's supply strategy leading up to the battle involved the Use of steamships.

In the lead-up to the Battle of Fort Sumter, the Union's supply strategy heavily depended on steamships. These ships played a vital role in transporting troops, supplies, and ammunition to the remote fort located in Charleston Harbor. The use of steamships facilitated faster and more efficient movement compared to traditional sailing vessels, allowing the Union to sustain a supply line even as tensions with Confederate forces escalated. However, as the conflict intensified, the Confederates successfully obstructed these supply routes, complicating the Union's logistical efforts. This dependence on steamships highlighted the critical role of naval power and logistics in the early phases of the Civil War.