All National Parks
National Historical Park

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

SC

About Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

Two forts stand at the entrance of Charleston Harbor. Patriots inside a palmetto log fort, later named Fort Moultrie, defeated the Royal Navy in 1776. As Charleston blazed a path towards secession to preserve slavery, construction on a new fort, Fort Sumter, proceeded.

The Confederacy fired on the US garrison of Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861 opening the Civil War, which redefined American freedom.

Weather

Mild winters. Hot and humid during the summer.

Getting There

Fort Sumter is accessible by ferry boat. Boats depart at scheduled times from two sites. The primary departure point is the Fort Sumter Visitor Center, 340 Concord Street, Charleston.

Boats also depart from Patriots Point, 40 Patriots Point Boulevard, Mount Pleasant. There is a fee for the concession-operated ferry. Fort Moultrie is accessible by car at 1214 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island.

A park entrance fee is charged for the park. Details at: https://www.nps.

gov/fosu/planyourvisit/directions.

Plan Your Visit

Let Roamze help you plan the perfect trip to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park with AI-powered itineraries.

Start Planning

Location

SC

32.7565, -79.8707

Open in Google Maps