Arrival at Fort Sumter, site of the first battle of the Civil War between Union and Confederate forces is a sobering moment. Named for American Revolutionary War General Thomas Sumter, the fort sits on an artificial island at the entrance to Charleston Harbor. Visit Fort Sumter as part of a national monument complex that includes Fort Moultrie National Monument and the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site.
Tour both famous forts, established for defense of the American eastern seacoast. Fort Sumter operated as a lighthouse after the Civil War ended and was used again by the military during both world wars. Access the fort by boat tour, the only way to get here. National park rangers oversee these visits and explain the fort’s origins, giving insights into the opening battle of the American Civil War. You will have time to explore the fort ruins and visit the museum store during the tour.
Continue on to Fort Moultrie, built to protect the city of Charleston. The fort was constructed out of palmetto logs and sand. Soldiers here resisted an attack by the British Royal Navy in the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, saving Charleston from British occupation. Stroll through the fort, going backward in time from the World War II Harbor Entrance Control Post to the original site of the 1776 palmetto-log fort.
The third significant site, the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, is nearby on the mainland. On Pinckney’s preserved Snee Farm, learn about this American stateman’s contribution to the framing of the U.S. Constitution. At the same time, understand how this Low Country plantation used slaves to grow rice and indigo.
Purchase tickets in advance for your Fort Sumter boat tour. There are two departure locations: Liberty Square Visitor Education Center and Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum. Find the park headquarters for Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, Fort Sumter and the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site next to the Fort Moultrie Visitor Center. The headquarters are open Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.
