December 12, 1861---The Great Fire of Charleston continues to rage

DECEMBER 12, 1861:         

The Great Fire of Charleston continues to burn, destroying St. Andrews Hall, the seat of secession. No one knows how the fire began. Thousands were left homeless, and for much of the rest of the war the poorer citizenry depended on soup kitchens and donations. As war conditions worsened, Charlestonians suffered particularly.