National Parks / Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
National Historical Park — SC
Two forts stand at the entrance of Charleston Harbor. Patriots inside a palmetto log fort, later named Fort Moultrie, defeated the Royal Navy in 1776. As Charleston blazed a path towards secession to preserve slavery, construction on a new fort, Fort Sumter, proceeded. The Confederacy fired on the US garrison of Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861 opening the Civil War, which redefined American freedom.
Current Alerts
- InformationAccessibility Lifts Out of Service at Fort Sumter
The mobility lifts at Fort Sumter on the second and third levels are currently out of order. The bottom level of the fort, along with the water fountain, remains wheelchair accessible.
- InformationScam Warning: Book Ferry Tickets Through Authorized Concessioner Only
The National Park Service is aware of fraudulent websites selling invalid ferry tickets to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. Valid ferry tickets can only be purchased through the park's authorized concessioner at www.fortsumtertours.com. Visitors should carefully verify the website address before purchasing tickets. Tickets purchased through unauthorized websites are not valid and will not be honored.
- InformationPatriots Point Ferries Accessibility Information
Ferries to Fort Sumter from Patriots Point are not always accessible for individuals who use mobility assistance devices or have trouble navigating stairs. The Fort Sumter Visitor Center departure location is fully accessible or visitors can call Fort Sumter Tours (843-722-2628) for current Patriots Point accessibility conditions.
- InformationFort Moultrie Fishing Dock Closure
The Fort Moultrie Fishing Dock is currently under construction through Spring 2026.
Source: National Park Service.