Learn about Civil War history at Fort Sumter National Monument

Introduction

Key Highlight: Fort Sumter is a must-see, especially for kids and history buffs.

Fort Sumter is famously known as the site where the first shot of the Civil War was fired in 1861. Today, visitors can experience this historic landmark by taking a ferry to the fort itself. The fort boasts thick stone caverns housing several Civil War-era cannons and a small yet informative museum that offers a deeper insight into the fort's role during the war.

Getting to Fort Sumter National Monument

Situated on a small island in Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter National Monument lies several miles southwest of Charleston city. Ferries to the monument depart from the Fort Sumter visitor center in Charleston and from Patriot's Point, located in USS Yorktown State Park (with available parking at both departure points). The ferry ride, although not the main highlight, is often enjoyed by visitors as a relaxing journey with potential dolphin sightings. Both ferries to the fort and ranger talks are conducted daily, though their hours vary by season.

Self-Guided Tours

While guided tours are not offered at Fort Sumter, visitors can attend a 10-minute ranger-led history discussion before embarking on a self-guided tour. Rangers and volunteers are available on-site to answer any questions.

Tickets

Exploring Fort Sumter is free of charge; however, the ferry ride to the monument costs $40 for adults and $26 for children ages 4 to 11. Children aged 3 and under ride for free. The National Park Service strongly recommends purchasing ferry tickets in advance, which can be done on the Fort Sumter Tours website.

Hours

The visitor center operates from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Additional information about the fort's history can be found on the National Park Service website.