Charleston - Revolutionary City and Cradle of Secession

Charleston played a significant role in the American Revolution. Charleston's appetite for revolution continued in the 1800s as the city blazed a path to secession to safeguard slavery. The Confederacy fired on the US garrison of Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, opening the Civil War, which redefined American freedom.

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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.

Large Civil War cannon on top of Fort Sumter with sunrise in the background

Visit Fort Sumter

Fort Sumter is located on an island in Charleston Harbor and is only accessible by boat.

exterior side view of Fort Moultrie with row of Civil War cannon lined up in front.

Visit Fort Moultrie

Visit Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island to experience 171 years of seacoast defense from 1776 to 1947.

two children holding passes in front of cannon

Every Kid Outdoors

Do you have a 4th grader and love visiting National Parks? You're in luck! Check out the initiative to get every kid outdoors!

wheelchair access at fort sumter

Accessibility

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

Woman power washing cannon

Adopt-A-Cannon

See how you can help the effort to conserve rare artifacts at Fort Sumter.

Last updated: February 16, 2021

Contact the Park

Mailing Address:

1214 Middle Street
Sullivan's Island, SC 29482

Phone:

(843) 883-3123

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