via kpbs.org

The PBS series, “History Detectives,” visited Charleston last December to investigate metal shavings that may be linked to the cannon that fired the first shots of the Civil War.

Hollywood, S.C. antique dealer, Robert Sarco, found a tube containing metal shavings and a note indicating they may have played a role in that historic moment. History detective, Elyse Luray, met with Sarco and then headed to Ft. Sumter to interview a cannon restoration expert.

Ultimately, the detective was unable to confirm whether the shavings were from the cannon that fired the first shot. But she was able to determine a connection between the shavings and the Civil War. Watch the cannon segment here and read a transcript of the show here.