In 1861, after years of tension in this country, our fledgling union began perhaps its first real test: At 4:30 am on April 12, Confederate troops fired on Fort Sumter in South Carolina’s Charleston Harbor. This has traditionally marked the beginning of the Civil War. The war that followed was not only a tragic loss of life for many Americans but was also a turning point for this country. It was during this conflict that differing ideals and agendas were brought to bear and tested. The focused needs of the few striving to preserve their livelihood and way of life were tested against the young nation struggling to defend its…