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Fort Sumter National Monument33-star United States flag from Fort Sumter
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Fort Sumter National Monument
History & Culture
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 over the British Navy in 1776 galvanized the patriots' cause for independence. Less than a century later, America's most tragic conflict ignited with the first shots of the Civil War at Fort Sumter.
South Carolina state flag  

Did You Know?
The palmetto tree has been a symbol of South Carolina since June 28, 1776 because the first Fort Moultrie was built of palmetto logs. The battle of Sullivan's Island was the Revolutionary War's first decisive victory of American forces over the British Navy. Fort Sumter National Monument, SC

Last Updated: July 27, 2006 at 10:39 EST