<P> The modern meaning of the flag was forged in April 1861 , when Major Robert Anderson defended Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor . The Confederates shot at the flag and Anderson was forced to surrender . The modern meaning of the flag was forged by Anderson 's stand at Fort Sumter ; he was celebrated in the North as a hero . Harold Holzer states that New York City : </P>
<P> The modern meaning of the flag was forged in April 1861 , when Major Robert Anderson defended Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor . The Confederates shot at the flag and Anderson was forced to surrender . The modern meaning of the flag was forged by Anderson 's stand at Fort Sumter ; he was celebrated in the North as a hero . Harold Holzer states that New York City : </P>
when did the american flag become a symbol
when did the american flag become a symbol
April 1861
April 1861