Fort Sumter National Monument: A Journey Through History
Explore the historic Fort Sumter National Monument, the site where the Civil War began, surrounded by breathtaking views of Charleston Harbor.
Fort Sumter National Monument offers a captivating glimpse into America's past, where history buffs and curious travelers alike can explore the site of the Civil War's first shots. Located in Charleston Harbor, this historic fortress invites visitors to learn about its strategic significance while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding waters.
A brief summary to Fort Sumter National Monument
- South Carolina, US
- +1843-883-3123
- Visit website
Local tips
- Book your ferry tickets in advance to avoid long wait times, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the harbor and the historic architecture of the fort.
- Don't miss the ranger-led tours; they offer in-depth knowledge and fascinating stories about the fort's history.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a bit of walking involved both on the ferry and around the fort.
Getting There
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Car
If you are traveling by car from any location in the Blue Ridge Mountains, first navigate to US-276 S. Follow US-276 S until you reach SC-11 S. Merge onto SC-11 S and continue towards SC-28 S. Take SC-28 S until you reach US-123 S. Merge onto US-123 S and then take the exit for I-85 S towards Greenville. From I-85 S, merge onto I-26 E towards Charleston. Continue on I-26 E until you reach exit 221B for US-17 S towards Charleston. Follow US-17 S, and then take exit for I-526 E. Continue on I-526 E until you reach the exit for US-701 S. Finally, follow the signs to Fort Sumter National Monument, which is located on an island accessible by ferry.
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Public Transportation
If you are using public transportation, start by taking a Greyhound or Megabus from a nearby city like Asheville to Charleston. Once you arrive in Charleston, you can use the local CARTA bus system to reach the Visitor Center for Fort Sumter. From the Visitor Center, you will need to purchase a ferry ticket to Fort Sumter, which costs approximately $24 for adults and $12 for children. The ferry ride will take you directly to the monument, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views of the harbor.
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Ferry
To reach Fort Sumter National Monument, once you arrive at the Charleston Visitor Center (which you can access via public transport or car), head to the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center located at 340 Concord Street. Here, you can purchase your ferry tickets and board the boat that will take you to the fort. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes, and it is advisable to check the ferry schedule ahead of time to ensure you have a reserved spot, especially during peak tourist seasons.
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