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Fort Sumter National Monument
Explore the site where the Union and Confederate armies clashed for the first time in the American Civil War. Your visit to Fort Sumter National Monument begins at the education center, where you can study exhibits on the war and purchase ferry tickets to the sea fort. Once you arrive, a park ranger will give a short talk about the conflict between the North and South that led to the firing of the first shots. As you walk the area, examine the defenses and imagine the Confederates’ 34-hour bombardment until the Union forces surrendered. For more information, visit the fort’s onsite museum. Refreshments are available on the ferry, but it is a good idea to bring water. Use Inspirock's suggestions to plan your Charleston trip and find the best activities and attractions for your vacation.
Fort Sumter National Monument reviews
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Like so many, I knew only the basics of Fort Sumter. The park ranger did a great job of providing details and telling the stories of named and unnamed heroes of the recapture of Fort Sumter. We were..... more
Like so many, I knew only the basics of Fort Sumter. The park ranger did a great job of providing details and telling the stories of named and unnamed heroes of the recapture of Fort Sumter. We were..... more »
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This was a fun side trip out of Charleston. The ferry ride was wonderful. The Park Ranger Randy was great. He was highly knowledgeable about Fort Sumpter and very entertaining to listen to! Would...
This was a fun side trip out of Charleston. The ferry ride was wonderful. The Park Ranger Randy was great. He was highly knowledgeable about Fort Sumpter and very entertaining to listen to! Would... more »
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This starts with a nice relaxing ferry ride to the island. We loved sitting on the deck outside and looking at the water and the city. Once we arrived at Fort Sumter, we were giving a brief overview by one of the Rangers about the monument. The Rangers are extremely knowledgeable and can answer almost any questions. There is a lot of history there and it is interesting to learn. It’s well preserved a great addition to our Charleston trip. We probably would not go back again but we were glad we went once.
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This is a must do exhibit if you visit the Charleston area. You have a brief ferry trip to the monument. As you arrive, you can see the stations of where the cannons were pointing outward. The fort itself is well preserved and it’s history is very fascinating. Quick tip: You can take part in the “raising” and lowering of the American flag if you are on either the 9:00 or 4:00 tours. The overall tour was quite informative and pleasant.
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