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Fort Sumter
April 12 - 14, 1861
Charleston Harbor, South Carolina
To visit Fort Sumter you can take a ferry from either the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center at Liberty Square (340 Concord St.) or from the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Fort Sumter retains much of its history and mystique and is a must see for any Civil War buff. Also don't forget to tour nearby Fort Moultrie and the many Civil War sites in the beautiful and historic town of Charleston, SC.
Essential To-Do List:
Fort Sumter
Get the most out of your Civil War battlefield visit by exploring these recommended To-Dos.
See the actual HL Hunley Submarine
The Hunley was the first submarine to ever sink an enemy warship.
Take a boat ride to where it all began -- Fort Sumter
As historic and iconic a place as you will find relating to the war, Fort Sumter is truly where the Civil War began.
Spend time in the great and historic City of Charleston
Charleston is one of the most historic cities in the United States and was centrally involved in both the American Revolution and the Civil War.
See fortifications of war, galore, at Fort Moultrie
Some of the first shots of the Civil War were fired from here toward Fort Sumter.
Want more? See all our To-Do items in South Carolina »
The 150 Essential To-Do List
The Civil War 150: An Essential To-Do List for the 150th Anniversary features top suggestions for the tours, museums, books, movies and other activities that every true Civil War aficionado should seek out during the four-year sesquicentennial commemoration.
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Fort Wagner
Photos and illustrations from Morris Island, Fort Wagner, and the 1863 Federal campaign against Charleston.
Partners in
Preservation
The work of the Civil War Trust would not be possible without the tireless support of a wide variety of local and regional partner groups. We thank them for their assistance and dedication.
Fort Sumter National Monument
Historic Hotels
Civil War Trust Members save 10% off the best available rates at participating Historic Hotels of America (use promo code NHP)
Francis Marion Hotel
Built in 1924, the hotel offers spectacular views of Charleston's church steeples, antebellum mansions, and famous harbor
John Rutledge House Inn
Built in 1763, the John Rutledge House Inn is one of only 15 homes of signers of the Constitution that stand to this day.
Wentworth Mansion
Completed in 1886, the Wentworth Mansion still shines with all its original opulence.
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