The only way to get to Fort Sumter is by boat One company, Fort Sumter Tours, runs the ferries that shuttle passengers to and from the island via Downtown Charleston at Liberty Square or from across the harbor at Patriots Point
How long is the ferry ride to Fort Sumter?
The tours include a 30-minute ferry ride to and from the fort and 60 minutes on the island The total length of the tour is just under 25 hours During the 30-minute boat ride out to the island, a pre-recorded voice discusses various points of interest, including the history of Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor
How much does the ferry cost to Fort Sumter?
Please note, boats will depart promptly! Ticket Prices Adults $3000 Seniors/Active Military $2800 Children (4-11) $1800 Children under 3 FREE
Is Fort Sumter worth visiting?
According to most Charleston visitors, Fort Sumter is a must-see, especially for kids and history buffs Fort Sumter National Monument is perched on a small island in Charleston Harbor several miles southwest of the city
Is Fort Sumter accessible by car?
Driving to to Fort Moultrie Fort Moultrie is is accessible by car, and there is parking at the visitor center There is limited bus, RV, and large vehicle parking Please note: You cannot get to Fort Sumter from Fort Moultrie
Can you go to Fort Sumter without a tour?
Historic Fort Sumter is located in Charleston Harbor and is only accessible by the concession-operated tour boat Fort Sumter does not charge an entrance fee; however tickets for the authorized concession-operated ferry are required and may be purchased in advance
Where do you catch the ferry to Fort Sumter?
The only way to get to Fort Sumter is by boat One company, Fort Sumter Tours, runs the ferries that shuttle passengers to and from the island via Downtown Charleston at Liberty Square or from across the harbor at Patriots Point
Is Fort Sumter open all year?
The fort itself is open 9:00 am-5:00 pm year round The park is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day There is a park entrance fee
Are there bathrooms on Fort Sumter?
Inside Fort Sumter Battery Huger houses the restrooms, water fountain, museum, museum store, and the observation level The lowest level of Battery Huger, which houses the restrooms, is accessible by a power lift
Is Fort Sumter sinking?
It was still incomplete in 1861 when the Battle of Fort Sumter began the American Civil War It was severely damaged during the war, left in ruins, and although there was some rebuilding, the fort as conceived was never completedFort Sumter Significant dates Added to NRHP October 15, 1966 Designated HD April 28, 1948
Why is Fort Sumter important?
Fort Sumter is an island fortification located in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina most famous for being the site of the first shots of the Civil War (1861-65) After a 34-hour exchange of artillery fire, Anderson and 86 soldiers surrendered the fort on April 13
Is the museum open at Fort Sumter?
The fort and Visitor Center are open Wednesday – Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and closed Monday – Tuesday
Is Fort Sumter on an island?
Fort Sumter is located on an island in Charleston Harbor and is only accessible by boat
Can I take a backpack to Fort Sumter?
It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park It does not state you cannot bring in a backpack or pocketbook at this time, i visited 5 years ago and there was no problem bringing them into the Fort at that time
Can I take my boat to Fort Sumter?
Fort Sumter is a National Monument and access is in fact free However, the island is only really accessible through the Fort Sumter Tours ferry service The ferry departs from Liberty Square, a 10-minute walk north of the Charleston City Markets If you are adventurous you may wish to take your own boat or kayak
Do you need a reservation for Fort Sumter?
Reservations for families and other small groups are generally not required for Fort Sumter Tickets are sold first come, first served each day at the departure locations During extremely busy periods, such as holidays and the summer season, tickets can sell out at any time
Do you have to pay for Fort Sumter?
There is no entrance fee for Fort Sumter However, the fort is on an island that is only accessible by boat and there is a fee for the concession-operated ferry
What aircraft carrier is on display in South Carolina?
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, only five minutes from downtown Charleston, is home to the aircraft carrier USS YORKTOWN CV-10, WWII’s Fighting Lady
How long do you stay at Fort Sumter?
How long does the tour last? The total tour time is 2 1/4 hours with about 1 hour spent on the fort
Do you have to wear a mask at Fort Sumter?
Face Mask Ordinance: Consistent with CDC guidance, Fort Sumter National Historical Park requires that people who are not fully vaccinated must wear masks inside its visitor centers and in crowded outdoor spaces Masks are required for everyone riding within an enclosed area of a Fort Sumter Tour vessel
Where do you park at Fort Sumter?
Next door to the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center is the South Carolina Aquarium, another great Charleston destination Parking is available in a City of Charleston parking garage at 24 Calhoun Street, just steps away from the entrance to Liberty Square There is also limited metered street parking available
Is Fort Sumter a national monument?
Fort Sumter was added to the National Park Service as a national monument in 1948 Fort Moultrie was added to the park in 1960 using the Historic Sites Act of 1935 Fort Sumter is the site of the opening bombardment of the Civil War on April 12-13, 1861
Which side won the battle of Fort Sumter?
Confederate victory With supplies nearly exhausted and his troops outnumbered, Union major Robert Anderson surrendered Fort Sumter to Brig Gen PGT Beauregard’s Confederate forces
Was Fort Sumter a Union or Confederate fort?
Battle of Fort Sumter United States (Union) Confederate States (Confederacy) Commanders and leaders Robert Anderson P G T Beauregard Units involved
How long did it take to build Fort Sumter?
By the end of the war, incessant bombardments had left Sumter in ruins It had taken thirty years to build Fort Sumter It took only four years to almost completely destroy this work