Fort Sumter National Monument

Category: Historical place in Charleston, South Carolina

Address: South Carolina 29412, USA

Phone: +18438833123

Opening hours

Sunday: 9AM–5PM

Monday: 9AM–5PM

Tuesday: 9AM–5PM

Wednesday: 9AM–5PM

Thursday: 9AM–5PM

Friday: 9AM–5PM

Saturday: 9AM–5PM

Reviews

Roz Madsen

Oct 3, 2022

It's an important part of history. So we'll cared for and was a nice breezy boat ride!

Vana Ross

Oct 1, 2022

We took one of the tours and it was awesome, the only complaint was that it felt not long enough. We did not get to see about 25% of the area and if you want to listen to any of them speak, you will have to understand you will not finish. I still liked doing the tour where we roamed ourselves, instead of with a structured tour guide. The ride on the way over in the boat is fun in itself. You can bring snacks, water bottles to fill up on the boat and make sure you take some time at the launch area to check everything out.

Michael Tarbell

Sep 29, 2022

Very cool place. Not a lot to see, but worth the trip if only because this is where the Civil War started

Mark Vanderwiel

Sep 28, 2022

Good story, but not much left on island.

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Questions & Answers

How do you get to fort Sumter ? And how long would it take to get there ?

Claudia L | Oct 3, 2018
Demetris Alston | Oct 3, 2018

Fort Sumter is accessed through a ferry and is about a 30 min cruise

Will my national park pass work here

Bill Rice | Oct 3, 2017
Andrew Miller | Oct 3, 2018

No it will not. While the Fort itself is free to the public, the boat is operated by a third party operator.

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The people that have been to fort sumter.........DID you like it???

Taylor Cubbage | Oct 3, 2019
John Udy | Oct 3, 2019

Yes pretty cool and educational

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Was fort sumpter and interesting place to go?

Nikolas Price | Oct 3, 2019
Jessica Rabbit | Oct 3, 2019

Yes Go! The ferry ride itself is fun. It's not expensive either. If you are handicapped they do not have handicapped restrooms on the boat. But they do on the grounds. Great little gift shop too.

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What happens during the war in fort sumter

Niko “Niko” Niko | Oct 3, 2018
Jim Carter | Oct 3, 2018

The first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter.

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Hello, does the fort open in december? Thank you Isa

Odenhardt isa | Oct 3, 2018
Justin McHone | Oct 3, 2018

The only days they're closed are Thanksgiving, New Years and Christmas. Open every other day. Check with them first for weather in case of thunderstorms which is about the only thing that will postpone or delay the ferry ride to the fort hope that helped.

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Is it a attraction

Sharlize Parker | Oct 3, 2018
Brian Petro | Oct 3, 2018

It is am amazing attraction. So much history in that old fort. Worth the one hour ferry ride (look out for dolphins) and tour.

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What causes the war fort sumter

Djooben King | Oct 3, 2018
Justin “JT” Wax | Oct 2, 2020

The war was over slavery. Some people will attempt to sugar coat and say states' rights, but the state right in question was slavery. It was a cancer ripping us apart, and we had to eliminate it.

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how long does it take to tour the Fort?

Jacqueline Bernal Mueller | Aug 3, 2022
Andrew Bartels | Aug 3, 2022

Boat ride is about 30 minutes out and back and you are on the island itself for about an 1.25 hrs. So realistically about a little over three hours.

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Are dogs allowed?

Joe Milde | Apr 5, 2022
Kirsten Barnes | Apr 5, 2022

We went this week and pets were not permit3d on the boat or at the fort. Service animals of course were welcome, but the area is crowded.

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Do u have bathrooms

Jule O'Donnell | Oct 2, 2021
Bradley Dearmon | Oct 2, 2021

Yes

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What are some interesting facts about this place

Cory Smith | Oct 2, 2021
Saurabh Narvekar | Oct 2, 2021

Shows the civil war history of South Carolina and the events that lead to it. This place was the first place where the war started, fort Sumter being the first to be attacked.

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how much is the ferry boat cost

troy mckinney | Oct 2, 2020
Scott Lorah | Oct 2, 2020

$24.00 per adult.

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How much money is it to enter

Emma's Awesome Life | Oct 2, 2020
Paula Stanton | Oct 2, 2020

It costs $23, $21 for Seniors. It is for the cruise from the mainland to Fort Sumpter with a tour guide.

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Do have of a list of soldiers that participated?

Lynnnette Murphy | Oct 3, 2019
Lynnnette Murphy | Oct 3, 2019

Thanks for the answer. My cousin was at Fort Sumpter, hoping to get into about him.

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How did fort Sumter impact the civil war

Catalina Mosher | Oct 3, 2019
Daniel Fischaleck | Oct 3, 2019

It started there.

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Do they have any sort of live re-enactments like they do at other civil war sites and what time of year if they do?

Robbie Adams | Oct 3, 2018
Edward Brady | Oct 3, 2018

I believe they do, maybe twice a month. At least I thought I heard or read this when I visited.

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What is the cost

Dana Laidlaw | Oct 3, 2018
Stacie Cole | Oct 3, 2018

Adult $22 Senior/Military $20 Children $14 Children under 3 free

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Why did they fight?

Paul Mc burn | Oct 3, 2018
The POET | Oct 3, 2018

Because the southern states disliked the way the government ran the country and believed in each state governing itself entirely where the government itself gave partial power to the states and held supreme power. After failing to convince the government to change, the Southern States attempted to succeed from the United States. When denied that by the government, they fired at Fort Sumpter and this act was considered a war declaration. Later in the war as stated below, the slavery issue became a part of what they fought for. But it boiled down to how the country was run.

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Do they allow pets

Commander J | Oct 3, 2018
Mike Doughty | Oct 3, 2018

No pets allowed.

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what side was fort Sumter used by?

Allan Urias | Oct 3, 2018
James Peck | Oct 3, 2018

Ft. Sumter was originally owned by the Union forces. The first sits of the civil war were fired here, after 34 hours the fort was taken. Ft. Sumter was held by the Confederate army for the rest of the war, despite at least one attempt to storm the fort and enough shelling to nearly demolish it.

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Best view from land is?

Tfc Tfc | Oct 3, 2018
christopher Snider | Oct 3, 2018

The area behind Ft Moultrie has great views of Ft Sumter and Charleston harbor.

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Where is it again?

Nicole Cabello | Oct 3, 2017
Arthur Holl | Oct 3, 2017

In Charleston Harbor, you will need to get there via boat, they depart from Patriots Point inount Pleasant

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Who helped made fort Sumter national monument an important place

Zeporia Mitchell | Sep 26, 2022
Mike Stecher | Sep 26, 2022

It was the site of the first skirmish of the American civil war

How did union troops win back fort sumter

Vishnu K | Jun 4, 2022
Greg Askins | Jun 4, 2022

Confederates abandoned.

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Is it worth it for a school project.

Andy Ghetto | Feb 4, 2022
dean cheek | Feb 4, 2022

Yes! The experience is your project

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Are you handicap accessible

Jule O'Donnell | Oct 2, 2021
Chuck Dempsey | Oct 2, 2021

Yes somewhat

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is fort Sumter realty 2.4 acers

Ethan Ratkay | Oct 2, 2021
Kattie Dills | Oct 2, 2021

I think so

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what is the impact of the Covid19

Bradley McLaurin | Oct 2, 2021
Irene Puleo | Oct 2, 2021

We sat on the inside I'm the lower deck and we were the only ones in there so that the kids could take their masks off

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Do you need identification with real ID?

Chris Collers | Oct 2, 2020
andris4d | Oct 2, 2020

Nope.. no ID required..

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Is the museum open?

Cheryl Bulger | Oct 2, 2020
Mike Rousseau | Oct 2, 2020

No, not yet

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Is pet welcome

Billy Reynolds | Oct 2, 2020
Marcus | Oct 2, 2020

Only service animals

what date did it happen on?

Carolina Arredondo | Oct 2, 2020
Liz Bearden | Oct 2, 2020

It was where the Civil War started...1861

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Can you take dogs?

Christy | Oct 2, 2020
John May | Oct 2, 2020

No you can not

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Where can you park a class c RV?

Eddielea Sheets | Oct 2, 2020
Alesha Draper | Oct 2, 2020

If you use the Patriots Point Ferry Port there is a large open lot. Parking is $5. Make sure if you pre purchase ferry tickets you chose the port you want.

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What is the Cost?

jan bryant | Oct 2, 2020
Justa Person Talking to you | Oct 2, 2020

23.00, i heard its increasing at the first of the year

Is there access to the island without paying for the ferry's tour?

it ya boi date pickle | Oct 2, 2020
Mir Velichko | Oct 2, 2020

No there is not

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How long does it take for you to do the complete tour ?

Joann Passley | Oct 3, 2019
Sala Downey-Cox | Oct 3, 2019

It's about two hours, half an hour both ways and one hour at the fort. I am in total agreement with a previous poster, for a real Civil War enthusiast, an hour was not nearly enough time.

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What is the price of the entrance and the entrance to Varco

Magnolia Rivera Pelaez | Oct 3, 2019
Sala Downey-Cox | Oct 3, 2019

Twenty four dollars, and it's best to have reservations

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How muchbis it for four people

otto veloso | Oct 3, 2019
Roberta S | Oct 3, 2019

Twenty three is correct but they do offer discounts like for military or seniors

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What are the safety guidelines of the fiery? Do you wear lifejackets? What are Capacity guidelines?

Sandra Perdue | Oct 3, 2019
Rachel Moore | Oct 3, 2019

No lifejackets required. Ferry tickets are pre-bought to ensure boat is not over capacity. It's a leisurely enjoyable ride.

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Can you give me a sentence about fort Sumter

Jasmine Dais | Oct 3, 2019
Jessica Rabbit | Oct 3, 2019

Yes

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Is there anything STILL here that has been here since the Civil War?

Daniel Cornejo | Oct 3, 2019
John Clark | Oct 3, 2019

The fort was partially restored from the orginal foundation. In the same area you also have the Carrier USS Yorktown, the Destroyer USS Laffey, Metal Of Honor recipients, Vietnam experience, and s WWII sub. Well worth going to Patriots Point.

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Hi my name is briyanna can u plz tell me all about the history there ? How was it there ? Was there a good/bad community there before it got ruined by the war ?

Bri'Yanna King | Oct 3, 2019
frank scott | Oct 3, 2019

There is a lot of history. This was a major city in the south. In the colonial period it was the fourth largest city

Can you take your own boat

Sheila Bailey | Oct 3, 2019
Sue Dunn | Oct 3, 2019

No

where’s the molly at???

bots anthom | Oct 3, 2019
Gary Neal | Oct 3, 2019

Near the gift shop ... Ask for Fred

How much is it to get in

Deadlyknight TTV | Oct 3, 2019
Mary Iffert | Oct 3, 2019

23.oo

Is there food

Ashwin Mahesh | Oct 3, 2019
Minda Moore | Oct 3, 2019

Food on ferry, limited package snacks at gift shop at fort.

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Is it a good place to go to during a vacation?

JamesMan428 | Oct 3, 2019
Lawrence Jay | Oct 3, 2019

100%! The boat ride to get to the Fort is very nice and Once Ur there, the sight and history is Unbelievable. Well worth it.

How is the ghost hunting here?

Gwendolyn Kaufman | Oct 3, 2019
Andrew Miller | Oct 2, 2020

None. No reported events at this location. Try a different fort.

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Does anyone what the price is to do this?

Hunter Tuft | Oct 3, 2019
Gregory Stiller | Oct 3, 2019

Adult 23$ child $15 2 &1/2 hr tour. Need to call ahead to be sure they are running and have room. An enjoyable day for us. We carried a picnic lunch and drinks in our back packs.

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Is the park open during the govt shut down?

Bob Wilson | Oct 3, 2019
Glen Henderson | Oct 3, 2019

It has been. The tour group worked out an agreement with the park. You should call today. When we went this week they said they might not be continuing next week. Went went on Friday (1/18/19).

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Is this were in the 1861 the war happen

Makenna Smith | Oct 3, 2019
Chris Sampson | Oct 3, 2019

Yes, Ft. Sumter was fired upon from the Confederate Soldiers and these were the first shots of the United States Civil War.

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Has the government shutdown affected the fort being open?

Lisa King | Oct 3, 2019
Heather Boyle | Oct 3, 2019

Yes!

Yo can I swim to the fort to avoid paying for the ferry?

Richard Crankshaw | Oct 3, 2019
D Barnes | Oct 3, 2019

Swimming to the Fort is not an option. Huge Sea Cargo ships and lots of boat traffic.

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How much is to go to fort sumter

RayZ3489 | Oct 3, 2019
Heather Boyle | Oct 3, 2019

Ugh we were there last week but couldn't get in because of the "Government shut down" I believe it's $12 for an adult!

Is this handicapped accessible when you're in a wheelchair

Jim Grayson | Oct 3, 2019
richard richardson | Oct 3, 2019

Yes it is wheelchair accessible

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Is Ft Sumpter open during the 'government shutdown '? Thanks

Maggie Snow | Oct 3, 2019
Linda Van Bloem | Oct 3, 2019

No

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Is it accessible from my 32' sailboat?.. can I dock and visit?

Sean Mitchell | Oct 3, 2019
Patrick Zeller | Oct 3, 2019

No, you ate only allowed to enter it with the official ferry. No privat docking allowed regarding state park regulations. Sorry.

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where do you get the boat to the fortt

Gail Howell | Oct 3, 2019
Yoni Moskow | Oct 3, 2019

Or Patriots point

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What is tour times?

Peg Boyle | Oct 3, 2019
Brock S | Oct 3, 2019

930 to 5 but there's a 3rd part tour boat that takes 30 to 45 minute boat ride to it, and 930 is the 1st ride there but good to get there at least 15 minutes early to make sure you get on the boat and get tickets for it which is 24 dollars I think from when I went last week.

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what happened at fort sumter

Zoe Wittenrich | Oct 3, 2018
Belen Vitello | Oct 3, 2018

Fort Sumpter is best known for its role in the Civil War.

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Why is the sky blue

Alencia Brown | Oct 3, 2018
Tim Thibodaux | Oct 3, 2018

God made to match my eyes!

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Will the ferry be open on labor day to take you over?

Cara Hutto | Oct 3, 2018
joseph Miller | Oct 3, 2018

I don't know the schedule

Is the Fort Sumter Tour the only boat that will leave you off at the Fort to tour it??

Elaine Bednarcik | Oct 3, 2018
Michael Zearfaus | Oct 3, 2018

Yes. U only get 45 min at fort and then have to leave

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What is the cost for the ferry ride?

Donald Yehle | Oct 3, 2018
Paul Davis | Oct 3, 2018

Ours was $22 per person.

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Ok so am in charleston right now and want to go somewhere with my boys which are 9&12 What all is here is it free? Is it a good place to go

Jessica y | Oct 3, 2018
M B K | Oct 3, 2018

It is not free, you need to pay for the boat ride, but fees aren't too bad.

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What is the cost of the boat ride to the Fort

Anthony Waskey | Oct 3, 2018
Gene Magnicheri | Oct 3, 2018

$22 for an adult. It is well worth the money.

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Is it a union base

Douglas DeMarco | Oct 3, 2018
Jessica Seay | Oct 3, 2018

No this was not a union base.

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How can you get to fort Sumter ; and how long would it take to get there via that transportation method ?

Claudia L | Oct 3, 2018
Andy Holsomback | Oct 3, 2018

Boat. Depends on how fast your boat is. If you take the harbor cruise that is available it is about half hour each way with about an hour on the island

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F

Anonymous | Oct 2, 2022
Anonymous | Oct 2, 2022

o

who made fort sumpter

Monica Ordubegian | Oct 3, 2018
Ricky Ard | Oct 3, 2018

The bricks were handmade by slaves

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I have a military passport can I go in?

Aaron (Roblox Games Tester) | Oct 3, 2018
MoonStone Games | Oct 3, 2018

Yes

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When did this happen

Jasiira vlogs Beech | Oct 3, 2018
Phillip Cooley | Oct 3, 2018

April 12 - 13, 1861

Are dogs allowed that are not service animals?

Stephanie NOPEE | Oct 3, 2018
David P | Oct 3, 2018

I don't know the "official" answer, but I'm gonna say no because you have to buy tickets and ride a tour boat to get there 🤔

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We are driving so where do we park to get to the tour.

Ron Jacober | Oct 3, 2018
Shelly Palomaki | Oct 3, 2018

If you are going from patriots Point, park in the parking lot for patriots point

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Was this the first ever battle of the civil war?

Brian | Oct 3, 2018
Jav O | Oct 3, 2018

First OFFICIAL!

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How much is ferry to patriots point?

Marilyn Tarter | Oct 3, 2018
Joel Simpson | Oct 3, 2018

You can drive to Patriots Point. The ferry from there the Ft. Sumter is about $15 if I remember right.

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Do you honor the senior pass for national parks?

Dan Adams | Oct 3, 2018
Mary DeSando | Oct 3, 2018

They did not have senior rates available in February.

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