Harriet Lane is credited with firing the first naval shot of the American Civil War when it challenged the steamer Nashville outside Charleston. The cutter had joined the Fort Sumter relief expedition and later helped cover the withdrawal after the fort surrendered. By 1862, the 13-knot ship carried 4-inch and 9-inch guns, two 8-inch guns, and two 24-pounder brass howitzers. Confederate forces captured her in 1863, extending the ship's story well beyond the opening exchange. Her career shows how a service built for civil enforcement could move directly into national conflict.
Notable Point · 44:04-48:03
Harriet Lane and the Civil War's first naval shot
A Revenue Cutter transferred to the Navy became part of the opening naval drama around Fort Sumter.