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Fort Sumter National Monument 42-pounder cannon, Model 1845, at Fort Sumter
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Where The American Civil War Began

Decades of growing strife between North and South erupted in civil war on April 12, 1861, when Confederate artillery opened fire on this Federal fort in Charleston Harbor. Fort Sumter surrendered 34 hours later. Union forces would try for nearly four years to take it back.
 
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Fort Sumter has restrooms and water once again.

Restrooms and water are once again available at Fort Sumter. Over the last several months the site's restrooms were expanded and made more accessible.

 

Fort Moultrie

Fort Moultrie is a unit of Fort Sumter National Monument. The site is located on Sullivan's Island and is accessible by car. Learn about 171 years of American seacoast defenses.


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1214 Middle Street
Sullivan's Island, SC 29482

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Phone

Visitor Information & Park Headquarters
(843) 883-3123

Fax

(843) 883-3910

Climate

Summers are generally hot and humid. Brief showers and thunderstorms are normal, especially in the afternoon. Spring and fall are temperate. Winters may be cool and damp with occasional periods below freezing. Snow is unlikely.
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42-pounder cannon, Model 1845, at Fort Sumter

Did You Know?
The first Union shot of the Civil War was fired by Captain Abner Doubleday. He was the second senior officer at Fort Sumter, under Major Robert Anderson. Fort Sumter National Monument, SC

Last Updated: August 18, 2010 at 07:18 EST