Fort Sumter National Monument

From the Charleston Marina on Lockwood Drive there are boat trips to Fort Sumter, which guards the harbour entrance. From the boat there are fine views of the town and the handsome mansions on the Battery.

The bombardment of Fort Sumter, held by Union forces, from Fort Johnson on April 12th 1861 marked the beginning of the Civil War. After 34 hours of artillery bombardment the garrison surrendered, and thereafter Fort Sumter was held by the Confederates until February 1865. After withstanding incessant attacks from 1863 onwards the Confederate forces at last withdrew, leaving the fort a heap of rubble. The history of the fort is documented on the site.