Charlestonstylish in the south

Confederate forces opened fire on this fort in Charleston Harbor on April 12, 1861, marking it as the official site where the Civil War began. After surrendering the Fort, Union forces would continue to try to win it back over the next four years. Located on a small island off the coast, Fort Sumter can be reached by taking a ferry from the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center at Liberty Square or Patriots Point as well as by private boat. The public tours take approximately two hours and include one hour at the fort and narrations during the harbor cruise. Fort Moultrie, built to protect Charleston harbor during the American Revolution, and Sullivan’s Island Coast Guard Station are also part of the national monument site.