Park service removes Confederate flags from Fort Sumter

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - The Confederate flag is no longer flying over Fort Sumter.

The National Park Service said the flag, along with other historic replicas, was taken down last week in the wake of the Charleston church shooting when Gov. Nikki Haley ordered the American flag lowered to half-staff.

Officials with Fort Sumter say the flag will not be going back up.

They also say they have decided to remove Confederate flag items from the fort's gift shop.

The Fort Sumter National Monument Park also includes Fort Moultrie and the Charles Pinckney National historic site.

Confederate forces fired on the Union-held fort on April 12, 1861, the moment that served as the start of the American Civil War. Fort Sumter surrendered 34 hours after the first shots, according to the National Park Service.

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