This opening battle of the Civil War was won by the Confederate forces.

The opening battle of the Civil War was the Battle of Fort Sumter, which was won by the Confederates. The battle took place on April 12-13, 1861, at Fort Sumter, located in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. The Confederates bombarded the fort for two days, forcing the Union forces stationed there to surrender. This victory marked the beginning of the Civil War.