Photo: Charleston, South Carolina (1861)
Photo: Confederate flag flies over Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor
WALLPAPER
Photograph by Unknown
Atop a makeshift pole, the Stars and Bars of the Confederacy flies over Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. The [U.S. Civil War's] first shot rang out here on April 12 [1861], a Confederate signal to attack. Maj. Robert Anderson, U.S.A., with fewer than 90 garrison troops, endured a 34-hour bombardment, his response hampered by exposed parapet guns. He agreed to terms of surrender on April 13.
More Photo Galleries
Photo: Symmetrical Shaker building
Photo Gallery: The Shakers of Kentucky
Understand the values of symmetry, order, and function as expressed by the centuries-old Christian society of Kentucky's Shakers, a unique culture on the verge of disappearing.
Photo: People walking down the street in Boston's North End
Photo Gallery: Boston's North Enders
Since 1630, Boston's North End has continually evolved. Today, the area's diverse population keeps both the historic charm and colorful culture of the region full of life.
Photo: Men picking cotton at the Louisiana State Penitentiary
Photo Gallery: Traveling the Blues Highway
Rooted in the Mississippi Delta, the blues sprang from spiritual music and field hollers, spinning a cultural thread that follows the great black migration from South to North.
Photo: Sartha Devi in refugee home
Photo Gallery: Kashmir, Trapped in Conflict
Wedged between two enemies—India with its Hindu majority and Muslim Pakistan—both the land and people of Kashmir have been caught in the cross fire for a half century.


National Geographic Expeditions
Photo: Greek ruins
Travel with some of the most prominent specialists in the world.