Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

Amenities

Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center

The Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center is located at 340 Concord Street, Liberty Square, Charleston, South Carolina, on the banks of the Cooper River. The center features museum exhibits about the disagreements between the North and South that led to the incidents at Fort Sumter, particularly in South Carolina and Charleston. Displays include slavery and the plantation culture, major figures, politics, and how the Confederate Army was formed. This site is also the main departure point for tour boats heading to Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. Park rangers and volunteers offer topical programs throughout the week for every boat.

Museum

The museum at Fort Sumter itself focuses on the activities at the fort, including its construction and role during the American Civil War. The fort is open to the public only via concession tour boat; access from private watercraft or via the low-tide sandbar is not permitted.

Fort Moultrie Visitor Center

The Fort Moultrie Visitor Center is located at 1214 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island across from the fort itself. There is a self-guiding brochure available and interpretive wayside exhibits posted throughout the fort. Guided tours are offered daily at 11:00 am and 2:30 pm, based on staff availability. The center offers an orientation film and museum exhibits about American seacoast defenses from 1809 to 1947, and the history of the first two forts. There is an information desk staffed by NPS Rangers, a book/souvenir store and bathrooms.

Charleston Light

Charleston Light is not open to the public but can be viewed from its surrounding grounds, which also allow beach access.

References

References

1. Dodson, Bob. "Fort Sumter National Monument".
2. (2019-03-12). "S.47 - John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act".
3. "Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center at Liberty Square". National Park Planner.
4. (6 August 2019). "Feds block private boats, drop-in visits to historic Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor". The Post And Courier.
5. "Fort Moultrie Visitor Center". National Park Planner.
6. "Fort Moultrie Visitor Center Museum Exhibits". National Park Service.
7. "Sullivan's Island Lighthouse". Sullivan's Island.com.