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Categories: Sports & Recreation; Outdoor Adventures; History & Heritage
Overview. Located at the entrance to Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter was built in the early 19th century as part of the United States' coastal defense system. When South Carolina seceded from the Union in December 1860, Union troops abandoned Fort Moultrie, across the harbor, for the newer Fort Sumter. On April 12, 1861, Confederate artillery opened fire on Fort Sumter, shelling it continuously for 34 hours until it surrendered. This battle touched off the Civil War. From 1863 to 1865, Union forces attempting to take Charleston bombarded Fort Sumter, now in Confederate hands, until it was in ruins. Today the monument includes both Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie, which is located on Sullivan's Island. Together the forts trace some of the most important moments of U.S. military history.
What to see and do. Because the visitor center for both forts is at Fort Moultrie, you may wish to begin your tour on Sullivan's Island, which can be reached by car. Built during the Revolution to protect Charleston from British invasion, Fort Moultrie underwent many renovations during its nearly two centuries of service. After it became obsolete following World War II, the fort was restored in sections, each reflecting a different time period. Groups wishing to tour Fort Moultrie should make advance reservations.
Fort Sumter, your next stop, cannot be reached by car, so you need to arrange a boat ride. Tour boats leave from either Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant or the City Marina in Charleston. Only the City Marina boats are wheelchair-accessible. You can also take your own boat. Because there is no visitor center at the fort, be sure to listen to the orientation and history tape provided on each tour boat ride. After your 35-minute ride, work your way through the fort's museum. You'll soak up the Civil War atmosphere by looking at many exhibits of artifacts gleaned from the site. Walk through the fort's levels (three elevators aid the mobility-impaired) using the wayside exhibits as your tour guide. Watch your step on the sometimes-uneven excavated surfaces. A thorough exploration of this site should take you about an hour. For handicapped access, call ahead to determine best departure time; the angle of the gangways is influenced by the five foot tides.
Because weather conditions affect the boats, call ahead if you have any questions about stormy weather. Fort Sumter is open, barring weather-related circumstances, daily except December 25 and January 1 from 10 AM until 5:30 PM April through Labor Day, and until 4 PM September through November and March. Fort Moultrie is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM except December 25 and January 1. During the winter months, call for schedules. If your visit falls on April 12th and 13th or June 28th, check with the park for a list of special programs.
Pets: Pets are not permitted.
Fees: A nominal entrance fee is charged.
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Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
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