Agnostik
National Historical Park · SC

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.

nps.gov ↗

Photos

A row of cannon with Fort Moultrie in the background. A US flag is flying in the fort.
Fort Moultrie spans 171 years from 1776-1947
Fort Sumter with a US flag flying above the fort with dock in the foreground
Fort Sumter is located on an island in Charleston Harbor and is only accessible by boat.
Civil War cannon sitting on carriage pointing towards firing hole in brick wall
Fort Sumter cannon sitting on cannon carriage under a brick casemate
Center of image is round metal and glass signal light with grassy hills hills in background
Interior View of Fort Moultrie featuring the World War II signal light with grass hills and black concrete gun bateries
A three-story brick structure with a staircase in front and water in the background
The Fort Sumter Visitor Center is the primary departure point for the ferries to Fort Sumter.

Activities

  • Astronomy
  • Stargazing
  • Boating
  • Boat Tour
  • Fishing
  • Saltwater Fishing
  • Food
  • Dining
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Boat Tour
  • Hands-On
  • Citizen Science
  • Living History
  • Reenactments
  • Historic Weapons Demonstration
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store