To Dare, the political climate in South Carolina grew increasingly volatile in December 1860. A convention of 169 prominent figures, including former congressmen, governors, and senators, gathered in Columbia to address the growing issue of secession. These delegates, most of whom were wealthy slave owners, were deeply concerned about the national debate surrounding slavery and the election of Abraham Lincoln. As South Carolina’s secession seemed inevitable, the atmosphere in the room was one of palpable tension. While there was excitement about the idea of disunion, there were also fears about the repercussions of such a drastic step. The political elite knew that the secession of South Carolina could not be an isolated act and would likely set off a chain reaction, intensifying national conflicts over slavery and states’ rights.

The choice to hold the convention in Columbia was not without controversy. Some delegates voiced concerns that the city could harbor Unionist sentiment, potentially undermining their efforts for disunion. As the debate over where to hold the convention intensified, more conservative delegates called for delaying the proceedings, fearing that hasty actions could lead to unintended consequences. Despite these concerns, the convention convened at the First Baptist Church on December 17, with David Flavel Jamison being unexpectedly elected president over the anticipated Robert Barnwell Rhett. The election of Jamison over Rhett indicated a deeper divide within the secessionist faction, with some delegates pushing for a more cautious and diplomatic approach to secession. In his opening speech, Jamison avoided discussing the future of slavery directly but instead focused on a rallying cry for bold action, urging delegates to “To dare! and again to dare!” This call to action resonated with the delegates, fueling their resolve, but the threat of a smallpox outbreak led to the swift relocation of the convention to Charleston, a move seen by some as a symbol of weakness or cowardice.

Upon arriving in Charleston, the delegates were quick to unite behind immediate secession, putting aside any remaining doubts or hesitations. On December 20, the secession ordinance was passed almost unanimously, formalizing South Carolina’s decision to sever ties with the Union. The process was shockingly swift, with little debate or hesitation, highlighting the urgency of the moment. The ceremony that followed the vote took on an almost celebratory tone, with the delegates viewing their decision as a bold declaration of independence, akin to the signing of the Declaration of Independence itself. However, the atmosphere was markedly different from that historic event, as the delegates seemed more focused on triumph than reflection. Robert Barnwell Rhett, one of the leading figures in the secession movement, basked in the adulation of the crowds, while the mood inside the convention shifted to one of joyous celebration. The booming cannon fire and fireworks served as loud symbols of their break from the Union, but not all were thrilled by the decision. Figures like James L. Petigru, who remained deeply connected to the Union cause, acknowledged the severity of the moment, understanding that the action taken would have far-reaching consequences for both South Carolina and the nation as a whole.

While South Carolina’s political leadership embraced their newfound independence, the wider implications of their actions were quickly becoming clear. As the state moved toward secession, the rest of the country watched with growing concern, knowing that this would likely lead to further divisions between the North and South. Meanwhile, Major Anderson and his men at Fort Moultrie, stationed just outside Charleston, observed the celebrations from afar. Anderson, keenly aware of the political and military realities surrounding him, understood that the decision of South Carolina to secede was more than just a political statement—it was a signal of impending conflict. With the Union losing its hold in the South, the tensions that had been building for decades were finally coming to a head. Anderson’s decision to remain at Fort Moultrie and his growing concerns about the fort’s vulnerability highlighted the difficult position in which he found himself. As South Carolina celebrated its independence, the divide between the Union and the Confederacy became clearer, and the prospect of war seemed more likely with each passing day.

This chapter paints a vivid picture of the rising tension within South Carolina during the days leading up to its secession. The debates, the fervor for independence, and the political maneuvering were all part of the larger narrative that set the stage for the Civil War. Major Anderson’s actions at Fort Moultrie, coupled with the secessionist fervor in Charleston, reflect the growing rift in the nation. The symbolic celebration of South Carolina’s break from the Union was only the beginning of a broader shift that would soon engulf the entire country. As both sides prepared for conflict, the nation stood on the brink of a war that would forever alter its history, with South Carolina’s secession serving as the spark that ignited the flames of division.