Fort Sumter National Monument

Introduction

Fort Sumter National Monument is located on an artificial island at the entrance to Charleston Harbor in South Carolina, marking the historic starting point of the American Civil War. On the morning of April 12, 1861, Confederate forces opened fire on Fort Sumter from neighboring James Island and Sullivan's Island, and after 34 hours of bombardment forced the Union garrison to surrender, igniting four years of civil war. The masonry fort begun in 1829 was named after Revolutionary War hero Thomas Sumter and was originally built to protect Charleston Harbor, yet became a symbol of national division. Today visitors take a 30-minute ferry from Liberty Square in Charleston to the fort, enjoying views of the Charleston skyline and harbor. The ruins preserve battle-scarred walls and shell-cratered brickwork, while the museum displays war artifacts and historical photographs. Standing atop the fort gazing across Charleston Harbor, visitors reflect on the history that changed America's destiny.

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