Description

Fort Sumter, located on an island in the middle of Charleston harbor facing the Atlantic Ocean, is where the Civil War began. On April 12, 1861, Confederate forces fired on Fort Sumter. 34 hours later, federal troops there surrendered.  The Union tried for the next four years to regain control of the fort. On April 14, 1865, Major General Robert Anderson emerged from retirement to re-raise the exact same U.S. flag that he had lowered in surrender over Fort Sumter four years before.

Fort Sumter is only accessible by boat. Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center, located in Liberty Square at 340 Concord Street downtown (next to the South Carolina Aquarium), has numerous exhibits about the fort and the Civil War. Ferry boats to Fort Sumter leave from the dock at the back of the visitor's center. You may also reach Fort Sumter by private boat during normal operating hours.  Fort Sumter is run by the National Park Service; tours are self-guided, but rangers are available to give a 10-minute history talk when you dock and to answer any questions.

FORT MOULTRIE

On Sullivan's Island, within sight of Fort Sumter, is another historic fort run also by the National Park Service. Fort Moultrie was the sight of America's very first victory over the British navy in 1776 and helped kick the American Revolution into high gear. Originally constructed out of palmetto logs which absorbed the concussions of cannon fire, it was rebuilt several times over the next two centuries as technology and defenses evolved. Today, at the Visitor's Center on Sullivan's Island, exhibits bring to life Fort Moultrie's varied history over 171 years of providing coastal defense for the Army.  You can tour through the bunkers and buildings and see remnants of its use during World War II, and guided ranger tours are available.

CHARLES PINCKNEY NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Charles Pinckney was an early American statesman, patriot, principal author and signer of the U. S. Constitution. 28 acres of his 715-acre historic plantation remain and are open to the public free of charge, run by the National Park Service. Interpretive exhibits and frequent live demonstrations bring history to life. 1254 Long Point Road, Snee Farm, Mount Pleasant. Open seven days, 9am - 5pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. (843) 881-5516.