Walk Where the Civil War Began at Fort Sumter in Charleston, SC

A connon in its forification at Ft Sumter

A visit to Fort Sumter (SC) in Charleston harbor is a step into the history of the U.S. Civil War. This fortress was constructed between 1830 and 1860. The Fort was built to complement the existing forts, Moultrie, Johnson and Castle Pinckney, thus strengthening harbor defenses.

But shortly after the election of President Abraham Lincoln, and prior to his assuming office, South Carolina declared its secession from the Union. In December of 1860, six days after this first secession from the Union was announced, Major Robert Anderson secretly moved his troops to Fort Sumter from the older Fort Moultrie, considering Sumter to be an easier position to defend in the case of an attack. This was the first deployment to the new base though it was short lived; the fort immediately came under siege. Less than four months later, on April 12, 1861, Brigadier General Beauregard a Confederate Commander gave the order to fire on the fort after Anderson refused to surrender to him.

Fort Sumter (SC) came under artillery fire from the surrounding forts and a floating battery in the harbor, initiating the Civil War. Thirty four hours later, Anderson and his troops surrendered to the Confederates and the Union Army would spend ensuing years trying to retake the fort. It was not until 1865 that General Sherman retook the stronghold, leaving it in ruins.

The Spanish-American War of 1898 prompted the initial reconstruction of the outpost in order to strengthen the city's defenses.

Today Fort Sumter (SC) is a national monument operated and maintained by the U.S. National Parks Service. Visits can be made by private boats as well as local tours with the Fort Sumter Tours ferry that departs daily, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. The fairy departs from 1 to 3 times daily, (depending of the day). Ferries depart from the Patriot Points Marine Museum in Mount Pleasant as well as from Liberty Square in downtown Charleston.

From downtown Charleston, a 30 minute Ferry ride across the harbor is a relaxing way to prepare to step into this historic afternoon. National Park Rangers greet visitors upon arrival at the fort and are at the ready to answer any questions that are not addressed in the narrated tour. Civil war artifacts and artillery are on display. The pentagon shaped fort was constructed on a man-made island. It was built from granite (brought from quarries in the north) and sea shells. To withstand cannon fire its walls were built with a thickness of eight to twelve feet.

A visit to Fort Sumter, (SC) is just one of the numerous activities to be found in the Charleston area. It's a short journey to the other forts such as Fort Moultrie or to nearby beaches. Downtown Charleston itself is full of historic buildings with colonial charm, first rate restaurants, a diversity of bars and clubs as well as a wide range of stores, theaters, an aquarium and all of the services of any major U.S. city.