Fort Sumter

Imagine visiting the exact location of where America’s most bloody war began. The first shots of the American Civil War rang out from Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina in April 1861. The preserved ruins of this historic island fort are accessible only by taking a boat from the Charleston harbor. The Fort Sumter National Monument is a must-see attraction for both history buffs visiting Charleston and casual travelers interested in the rich background of the area.

The North and South Clash

After campaigning to abolish the expansion of slavery, Abraham Lincoln’s Republican Party won the 1860 presidential election despite not having much support from the Southern states where slavery remained legal. Eleven Southern states formed the Confederate States of America, and the Confederate army led by Jefferson Davis opened fire on the Union-held Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. This became the first attack in the American Civil War. After 34 hours, the fort surrendered and the Union forces fought for almost four years to reclaim it.

A National Monument

The Battle of Fort Sumter marked the beginning of the deadliest war in American history, with over half a million soldiers and countless civilians killed. Fort Sumter National Monument includes the ruins of the original Fort Sumter and the Fort Moultrie National Monument, a collection of forts built to defend Charleston. The Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center at the departure dock and the museum at Fort Sumter on the island feature exhibits detailing the history of the battles between the North and South and the role of Fort Sumter during the war. Fort Sumter was named a U.S. National Monument in 1948.

Boat Tours to Fort Sumter

Fort Sumter can only be reached by boat. Visitors can board a commercial ferry from two locations to get to the island: downtown Charleston at the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center at Liberty Square (340 Concord Street) or at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, which is the largest naval and maritime museum in the world (40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC.)

The boat tours sail through the Charleston harbour out to the island. The ride is approximately 30 minutes long and is fully narrated with historical information about the area and the events that led to the Civil War, also known as the War Between the States. Visitors are often treated to the sight of dolphins jumping in the water. There are snack bars and washrooms on the boat.

Fort Sumter boat tours cost $16 for adults, $14.50 for seniors and $10 for children 6-11 years. The fee includes the ferry ride, entrance fee to the site and a one hour self-guided tour of the fort. Admission is free for children five and under and group rates are available. Private boats can also access the island. There is no admission fee for visitors arriving at Fort Sumter by private boat.

A schedule of ferry departure times can be found at the Fort Sumter Tours SpiritLine Cruises website and tickets can be booked online.

Visiting the Island

After getting off the boat at Fort Sumter, visitors have an hour explore the ruins of the ravaged fort, preserved to reflect their state at the end of the Civil War. The Fort Sumter National Monument is part of the U.S. National Park Service, and as visitors disembark from the ferries knowledgeable park rangers are on hand to provide a short presentation which includes an overview of the area and its historical background.

Fort Sumter is closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Hours of operation vary according to season. In addition to the museum, a gift shop is located at the site.

For more visitor information call (843) 883-3123.

Click here to visit Fort Sumter official website