Fort Sumter Attacked! Civil War Begins! Apr 12, 2010 21:28:43 GMT -4 Quote Select PostDeselect PostLink to PostMemberGive GiftBack to Top Post by Die Fledermaus on Apr 12, 2010 21:28:43 GMT -4 April 12, 1861.The American Civil War began with the firing on Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor.