Description:
The first engagement of the Civil War took place at Fort Sumter on April 12 and 13, 1861. After 34 hours of fighting, the Union surrendered the fort to the Confederates. From 1863 to 1865, the Confederates at Fort Sumter withstood a 22 month siege by Union forces. During this time, most of the fort was reduced to brick rubble. Fort Sumter became a national monument in 1948.

Directions:
Plane - The concession tour boats leave from Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant and the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center, located adjacent to Liberty Square at the corner of Concord and Calhoun Streets in Charleston. For private boats, Fort Sumter is 3.33 miles from Charleston at the harbor entrance.

If traveling on the tour boat, allow 2 hours and 15 minutes for the trip (35-minute boat ride each way, and 1 hour at the fort).

Car - See above.

Public Transportation - See above.

RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

• Educational
• Museums/Visitor-Center
• Restaurant/Snack-Bar