Fort Sumter

Fort Sumter is a historic site located at the entrance of Charleston Harbor, where the first engagement of the American Civil War took place on April 12, 1861. The fort was designed as part of the defensive system protecting Charleston, South Carolina, and its origin stemmed from the 1812 war with Great Britain. Today, the site preserves the ruins of Fort Sumter, which was later partly rebuilt and modified, and is accessible by boat. The national monument also includes Fort Moultrie, located on nearby Sullivan’s Island, which was the site of an American victory against the British in the American Revolution. Visitors can explore the fort and learn about its history, including its role in the Civil War and its significance as a symbol of national union