Ft. Sumter “didn’t belong to South Carolina”.
An island in the mouth of Charleston Harbor? So then, in your understanding, none of South Carolina belonged to South Carolina but to the Union and the Feds by extension.
The individual states were grouped by a mutual covenant into the United States and it was believed by most that they were freely bound and could depart should they wish. They asked to have the garrison returned.
Recently, Fort Monroe in Hampton Rhoads, Virginia was returned to the State of Virginia. I take it that you consider that a gift from the feds?
An island built by the federal government on land deeded to it free and clear by act of the South Carolina legislature. It belonged to the federal government. Only Congress could dispose of it.
Recently, Fort Monroe in Hampton Rhoads, Virginia was returned to the State of Virginia. I take it that you consider that a gift from the feds?
Yes, unless Virginia bought it.