See Where the Civil War Began

April 12, 1861 – The Civil War began in Charleston, South Carolina. Union forces were stationed at Fort Sumter, just off the coast of Charleston. General P.G.T. Beauregard, a Confederate, was not going to allow the Union to have a stronghold in the South. At 4:30AM, Beauregard ordered his troops to let the batteries loose. More than 4,000 shells pounded the fort. The barrage was more than the Union could handle. They surrendered. It would be 4 years before the Union would reclaim the Fort.

Today’s Fort Sumter has become one of Charleston’s must-see attractions. Visitors are able to walk the grounds, explore, see 19th century artillery, and learn about Charleston’s role in the Civil War. Rangers are on hand to give guided talks about the Fort’s illustrious history. There’s an air-conditioned museum displaying Civil War artifacts and flags that have flown over the Fort.

However, the only way to reach Fort Sumter is by boat. The National Park Service does have a ferry service that takes visitors back and forth on guided tours. Not only do you get to explore the Fort, but you’ll have the opportunity to take some fantastic pictures too. The ferry passes by Charleston’s famed Battery area and the U.S.S. Yorktown at Patriot’s Point. Harbor waters are generally calm, so there’s no fear of getting seasick!

The entire trip takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. You’ll get at least an hour to explore the Fort, which is plenty of time. (We recommend saving the museum for last.) The rest of the time is spent going to and from the Fort. Tours depart daily from Liberty Square at Aquarium Wharf and Patriot’s Point.

For more information and ferry schedules, visit www.nps.gov/fosu/index.htm

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