MORRIS ISLAND, S.C. (WCIV) - Citadel cadets did a re-enactment of the firing on the Star of the West, in honor of its 150th Anniversary. The firing happened on January 9th, 1861 when Citadel cadets fired at the federal steamship, the "Star of the West", to prevent it from reaching Fort Sumter. The ship was carrying 200 federal troops and supplies. Many historians consider this attack to be the first shots of the civil war.
Between 15 and 20 Citadel cadets wore uniforms replicas of those worn during the 1800s and used reproductions of cannons and muskets used at the time. Seven shots were fired from Morris Island. The cannons fired 1/2 pound of gunpowder each shot.
Sunday morning, the commemoration will continue with fired shots from Morris Island. The cadets are members of the Citadel Military Living History Society, a volunteer reenactment club of about 40 cadets.
