Fort Sumter National Monument

Fort Sumter National Monument

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CONTENTS

Fort Sumter National Monument

History provides us with defining moments from which we judge where we are with where we have been. The Civil War provides the United States with one of its critical defining moments that continues to play a vital role in defining ourselves as a Nation. Fort Sumter is the place where it began. America's most tragic conflict ignited at Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, when a chain reaction of social, economic and political events exploded into civil war. At the heart of these events was the issue of states rights versus federal authority flowing over the underlying issue of slavery. Fueled by decades of disagreement and confrontation, South Carolina seceded in protest of Lincoln's election and the social and economic changes sure to follow. With Fort Sumter as an unyielding bastion of Federal authority, the war became inevitable. A powerful symbol to both the South and the North, Fort Sumter remains a memorial to all that fought to hold it.

IN DEPTH

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...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...read more

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...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 State Historic Site 843-852-4200 Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum 843-881-5930 South Carolina Aquarium 843-720-1990 For more information on the...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...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 (40 Patriots...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...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...read more

PARK PHOTOS

Fort Sumter : Canon Inside Fort Sumter
Canon Inside Fort Sumter
Beth Whitcomb
Fort Sumter : Fort Sumter, 0564
Fort Sumter, 0564
National Park Service
Fort Sumter : Fort Sumter, 3761
Fort Sumter, 3761
National Park Service
 

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