Fort Sumter

From CharlestonWiki

Ft. Sumter from the air

Fort Sumter, located in Charleston Harbor, was the site of the first major battle of the United States Civil War. After South Carolina's secession from the Union, the state intended to take control of all Federal property, including forts, within the state. A bombardment of Fort Sumter started on April 12, 1861 in an attempt to remove a contingent of federal soldiers camped there. After more than a day of bombing, the Union troops surrendered. Fort Sumter was held by the Confederacy until the end of the Civil War. The Fort became a United States National Monument in 1948 and is managed by the National Park Service. For further historical information about the Fort, see the corresponding Wikipedia article on w:Fort_Sumter.

Visiting the Fort

Fort Sumter 2007 view from Calhoun Mansion rooftop

Tours of the Fort are available every day except New Years, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. Since Fort Sumter is located in the middle of Charleston Harbor, a trip by boat out to the island is required.

As of Summer 2006, the boat ride and tour of the Fort costs from$8.00 to $14.00, depending on age. Boat service leaves from the Aquarium Wharf/IMAX complex in Charleston, SC at 9:30, 12:00, and 2:30. Boat service from Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, SC leaves at 10:45, 1:30, and 4:00.

People who are unable to physically visit Fort Sumter by boat, can relive the famous view of Fort Sumter online as it would have been seen from the rooftops of the Charleston as depicted in Harper's Weekly - A Journal of Civilization.

Fort Sumter 1861 historic view from Charleston rooftops

Trivia

Cadets (military students) from the Citadel are credited with firing the first shots of the Civil War (in January 1861), when they fired on a relief vessel attempting to provide support to the Union soldiers encamped at Fort Sumter.