---
title: Major Robert Anderson
author: Mathew Brady
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21939/major-robert-anderson/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2026-07-27
---
# Major Robert Anderson
_Authored by Mathew Brady_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/21939.jpeg)
## Image Caption
Major Robert Anderson, photograph by Mathew Brady, circa 1860 to circa 1865.
Major Robert Anderson was the Union commander of Fort Sumter, the site of the first [battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of the [American Civil War](https://www.worldhistory.org/American_Civil_War/). Anderson’s actions ensured he was promoted to brigadier general, and, shortly after, he became the head of the Department of Kentucky. He retired from active duty in October 1863, and later returned to Fort Sumter, after the recapture of Charleston, to raise the US flag that he had lowered exactly four years earlier.
National Archives and Records Administration, College Park.
## Cite This Work
### APA
Brady, M. (2026, July 27). Major Robert Anderson. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Brady, Mathew. "Major Robert Anderson." *World History Encyclopedia*, July 27, 2026. .
### MLA
Brady, Mathew. "Major Robert Anderson." *World History Encyclopedia*, 27 Jul 2026, .
## License & Copyright
[Original image](https://catalog.archives.gov/id/528328) by **Mathew Brady**. Submitted by [Joshua J. Mark](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/JPryst/ "User Page: Joshua J. Mark"), published on 27 July 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Public Domain](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain). This item is in the public domain, and can be used, copied, and modified without any restrictions. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.