Where is Fort Sumter,Charleston, South Carolina?

Written by | Updated On: December 09, 2025, 14:28 ET

Fort Sumter is located in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, USA. It lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the city of Charleston and is situated on a small island in the harbor. It is famous for being the place where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired.

Fort Sumter Location Map,Charleston, South Carolina

Top Attractions Inside Fort Sumter National Historic Site

  • Historic Fort Structure – Famous Civil War fort where the first shots were fired, preserved for public visits.
  • Fort Sumter Museum – Exhibits on the fort’s history, the Civil War, and military artifacts.
  • Guided Tours – Ranger-led tours exploring the fort’s architecture, history, and battles.
  • Harbor Views – Panoramic views of Charleston Harbor and surrounding waterways.
  • Battery & Cannons – Historic artillery installations demonstrating 19th-century military defense.
  • Educational Programs – Interactive talks and demonstrations on the fort’s strategic importance.
  • Boat Access & Scenic Excursions – Ferry rides providing views of the fort and Charleston waterfront.

Fort Sumter Facts

Official NameFort Sumter
LocationCharleston Harbor, Charleston County, South Carolina, USA
Latitude & Longitude≈ 32.7524° N, 79.8747° W
Total AreaIsland fort on man‑made island; part of ~235 acres (≈ 95 hectares) park including Fort Sumter & associated areas :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Construction Began / BuiltConstruction began in 1829 (as part of Third System of Seacoast Defense) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Named AfterThomas Sumter — American Revolutionary‑War general from South Carolina :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Managed ByNational Park Service — as part of Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park (since 1948) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Region / Strategic PositionCoastal Atlantic Ocean — at the entrance of Charleston Harbor; designed to defend harbor from naval attack :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Fort Type / Concept19th‑century masonry coastal fortification (brick & masonry sea fort), part of U.S. Third System coastal defenses :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Structure & FeaturesOriginally a three‑tiered, five‑sided fort on a small artificial island (~2.4 acres) designed to hold up to 650 soldiers and 135 artillery pieces :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Historical SignificanceSite where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired (April 12–13, 1861), marking the war’s beginning :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Key Historic EventsBombardment & surrender by Union garrison (April 13, 1861); Confederate occupation 1861–1865; heavy bombardment during Siege of Charleston (1863–1865), reducing fort to rubble :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Post‑War Use / Later HistoryRepaired and modified post‑war; later served as lighthouse station, rearmed in Spanish–American War, used for coastal defense through WWI & WWII; eventually decommissioned as military fort :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Historic‑Site DesignationAuthorized April 28, 1948 — Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park established (formerly Fort Sumter National Monument) :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Current StatusPublic historic site & national historical park — accessible by ferry boat only; preserved ruins, interpretive exhibits, ranger‑led tours & educational programs :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Visitor Access / TransportationAccessible only by ferry (from Charleston city or nearby ferry terminals) — part of visitor tours operated by park concessionaires :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
Park / Monument Area (All Units)~235 acres (≈ 95 hectares) including Fort Sumter, associated forts/sites, visitor center & harbor area :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
Official Website / Info Sourcehttps://www.nps.gov/fosu/

Distances from Fort Sumter to Nearby Landmarks

  • Charleston Harbor Ferry Terminal (Liberty Square / downtown) – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Charleston City Waterfront Park – 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
  • Historic Charleston City Market – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Battery & White Point Garden – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • South Carolina Aquarium – 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
  • Rainbow Row – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Cumberland Island National Seashore (ferry access via Georgia, regional) – 105 km (65 mi)
  • Magnolia Plantation & Gardens – 13 km (8 mi)
  • Angel Oak Tree (Johns Island) – 15 km (9 mi)
  • Fort Moultrie – 5 km (3 mi)
  • Charleston International Airport – 19 km (12 mi)
  • King Street Shopping District – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • College of Charleston – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge – 3 km (1.9 mi)