Fort Sumter National Monument
Fort Sumter National Monument
For Sumter National Monument preserves one of a series of coastal fortifications built by the United States after the War of 1812. The fort was begun in 1829 and named for South Carolina Revolutionary War patriot Thomas Sumter. The base foundation of rock and granite material supported a massive five-sided, three story fort of 2.4 acres. Fort Sumter was the site of the opening battle of the Civil War on April 12, 1861. Confederate forces assailed the fort, with limited return fire from Sumter, for 34 hours. There is more to the park than just military history; For Sumter served as a lighthouse station as well. Since 1948 Fort Sumter has been recognized as a National Monument and administered and interpreted by the National Park Service for the numerous tourists who visit it every year.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Bob DodsonPhone Number: 843-883-3123
Entrance Fees: Free
Sights: Fort Sumter; Parrott Rifles; Battery Isaac Huger
Important Dates
By The Numbers
Acres: 199.57Annual Visitation: 776,162 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :32.752600 / -79.875000 (map it)
State: SC
Nearby Big City: Charleston, SC
Gateway Communities: Sullivans Island, SC; Isle of Palms, SC; Mount Pleasant, SC; Charleston, SC; Dorchester, SC
Nearby Airports: Charleston International Airport (CHS)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Park Photos
Canon Inside Fort Sumter
Beth Whitcomb
Fort Sumter, 0336
National Park Service
Fort Sumter, 0337
National Park Service
View More Fort Sumter Photos
In Detail
Activities & Programs Outdoor Activities At the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center (340 Concord Street, Charleston), Liberty Square offers a connection by the Cooper River where visitors may sit, rest, read and watch t ... read more.
History Fort Sumter National Monument commemorates defining moments in American history within a military continuum that spans more than a century and a half.At Fort Moultrie, the first American victory ov ... read more.
Just For Kids Be A Junior Ranger Fort Sumter Junior Ranger Program A Junior Ranger Program is available for children age 12 and under. If you visit Fort Sumter by ferry from the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Cente ... read more.
Lodging & Dining Where To Eat Fort Sumter There are no restaurants or snack machines at Fort Sumter. Picnicking is not permitted. A snack bar is available on board the ferry boat. While a water fountain is available ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Pets There are no restrictions at any of our facilities on bona fide guide animals for the impaired.Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center (340 Concord Street, Charleston)Pets are permitted on the gro ... read more.
Planning Your Visit Operating Hours & Seasons Fort Sumter by Ferry The concession-operated ferry leaves from two locations: Liberty Square (340 Concord Street, Charleston, SC), and Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum ... read more.
Sights to See Nearby Attractions National Park Service Sites Charles Pinckney National Historic Site Other Attractions Boone Hall Plantation 843-884-4371 Charleston Museum 843-722-2996 Charles Towne Landing Stat ... read more.
Who's Who at the Park Fort Sumter - Fort Moultrie Historic Trust Created as a 501c.3 non-profit organization, The Fort Sumter - Fort Moultrie Historic Trust serves as a supporting arm of the Fort Sumter National Monument ... read more.
Recent News
- Complete Morris Island sale without dock requirement April 28, 2008, 3:18 pm
Fort Sumter In Depth
News from the Parks
Civil Rights Leaders Declare Fundraising Success for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
December 4, 2008 - 3:10pm
Civil rights leaders gathered Wednesday to declare that they had finally overcome their money obstacles and raised more than $100 million to build the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall.
December 4, 2008 - 3:10pm
Civil rights leaders gathered Wednesday to declare that they had finally overcome their money obstacles and raised more than $100 million to build the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall.
Wildlife Biologist Cites Reasons Behind Bear Attacks
December 4, 2008 - 3:08pm
Great Smoky Mountains National Park wildlife biologist Bill Stiver said bear management and education of the public must take place in order to decrease harmful bear and human encounters.
December 4, 2008 - 3:08pm
Great Smoky Mountains National Park wildlife biologist Bill Stiver said bear management and education of the public must take place in order to decrease harmful bear and human encounters.
Park Develops Plan to Preserve Outcrops
December 4, 2008 - 3:05pm
Shenandoah National Park asked for comments on a study it did on how people affect rock outcrops and the rare vegetation that grows on them. Visitors have damaged some popular rock outcrops and the park is trying to decide how to best protect pristine areas while still allowing visitors to enjoy them.
December 4, 2008 - 3:05pm
Shenandoah National Park asked for comments on a study it did on how people affect rock outcrops and the rare vegetation that grows on them. Visitors have damaged some popular rock outcrops and the park is trying to decide how to best protect pristine areas while still allowing visitors to enjoy them.
White House Christmas Tree Lighting Closes Streets, Limits Parking
December 4, 2008 - 3:04pm
D.C. police are warning travelers of street closures near the White House during the afternoon rush hour for the lighting of the National Christmas tree.
December 4, 2008 - 3:04pm
D.C. police are warning travelers of street closures near the White House during the afternoon rush hour for the lighting of the National Christmas tree.
Officials Prepare for Chronic Wasting in Deer
December 4, 2008 - 3:01pm
Chronic wasting disease, a contagious neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, could devastate local deer populations, and National Park Service officials want to be prepared if the disease makes its way inside the boundaries of Monocacy and Antietam national battlefields.
December 4, 2008 - 3:01pm
Chronic wasting disease, a contagious neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, could devastate local deer populations, and National Park Service officials want to be prepared if the disease makes its way inside the boundaries of Monocacy and Antietam national battlefields.
