Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park • South Carolina

A row of cannon with Fort Moultrie in the background. A US flag is flying in the fort.

Fort Sumter with a US flag flying above the fort with dock in the foreground

Civil War cannon sitting on carriage pointing towards firing hole in brick wall

Center of image is round metal and glass signal light with grassy hills hills in background

A three-story brick structure with a staircase in front and water in the background

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.

Fort Moultrie spans 171 years from 1776-1947
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Fort Sumter is located on an island in Charleston Harbor and is only accessible by boat.
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Fort Sumter cannon sitting on cannon carriage under a brick casemate
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Interior View of Fort Moultrie featuring the World War II signal light with grass hills and black concrete gun bateries
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The Fort Sumter Visitor Center is the primary departure point for the ferries to Fort Sumter.
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Duration:: 4 minutes, 30 seconds

Learn about where the American Civil War began and Fort Sumter's role from park rangers and visitors.

A large black battery on the grassy green parade ground at the Fort. It is a bright blue day.

Fort Sumter is located in the middle of Charleston Harbor, and is only accessible by ferry rides through Fort Sumter Tours.

Living History at Fort Moultrie

Learn more about the 250th commemoration of Carolina Day.

Living historians fire historic weapons on Carolina Day

Learn more about events commemorating 250 years of independence at Fort Moultrie.

A living history volunteer talks with visitors

We welcome individuals and groups to apply for volunteer opportunities at both Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie.

An American Revolution living historian in a period uniform stands in front of Fort Moultrie.

Learn more about events happening at the park throughout the year!

A ranger points at fingerprints captured in bricks while a group of schoolchildren looks on

The Every Kid Outdoors program provides free access for 4th graders and their families to national parks and other federal lands!

wheelchair access at fort sumter

We want you to have the most enjoyable trip possible; therefore, we ask that you refer to our accessibility section to learn more.

A white palm tree on a blue background with the words Friends of Charleston National Parks below

Learn more about our friends group and see how you can help support the Charleston area national parks!

Last updated: May 20, 2026

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Mailing Address:

1214 Middle Street
Sullivan's Island, SC 29482

Phone:

(843) 883-3123

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