Where is Fort Sumter National Monument,Charleston, South Carolina?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

Fort Sumter National Monument is located in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. It lies between Charleston Harbor and Sullivan’s Island and is situated on a small island at the harbor entrance. The site is famous for being where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired..

Fort Sumter National Monument Location Map,Charleston, South Carolina

Top Attractions Inside Fort Sumter National Monument

  • Fort Sumter Ruins – Historic Civil War fort where the first shots were fired.
  • Cannon Displays – Original artillery pieces positioned around the fort.
  • Exhibit Museum – Displays artifacts and history of the Civil War’s beginnings.
  • Fort Walls & Ramparts – Walk along preserved brick structures with harbor views.
  • Harbor Lookouts – Scenic viewpoints overlooking Charleston Harbor and skyline.
  • Ranger History Talks – Short presentations giving deeper insight into the fort’s past.

Fort Sumter National Monument Facts

Official NameFort Sumter National Monument
LocationCharleston, South Carolina, USA
Latitude & Longitude32.7523° N, 79.8747° W
Total Area~4.93 acres (2 hectares)
EstablishedDecember 27, 1948 (As National Monument)
Managed ByNational Park Service (NPS), U.S. Department of the Interior
RegionCharleston Harbor
AddressFort Sumter Visitor Education Center, 340 Concord Street, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Zip Code29401
Area Code843
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) - UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
Historical SignificanceSite of the first battle of the American Civil War (April 12, 1861); Symbol of the Confederacy & Union history
Famous ForFort Sumter Ruins, Civil War History, Harbor Views, Visitor Center Exhibits, Ranger Programs
Annual VisitorsApprox. 700,000
Entry Fee TypePaid Ferry Access (General Monument Entry Free)
Ticket Price RangeFerry Tickets ~$22–$28 for adults (round trip)
Ticket OptionsFerry Service - Guided Tours - Ranger Programs - Special Events
Best Time to VisitMarch–May and September–November (Mild weather & lower crowds)
Nearby AirportCharleston International Airport (CHS) – 12 km (7.5 miles)
TransportationFerry from Liberty Square / Patriot’s Point, Charleston Water Taxi, Shuttle, Parking at Visitor Center
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/fosu
UNESCO/National StatusNational Historic Landmark (since 1960)

Distances from Fort Sumter National Monument to Nearby Landmarks

  • Fort Sumter Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Battery Park – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Charleston Harbor – 0 km (0 mi)
  • South Carolina Aquarium – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Rainbow Row – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Charleston City Market – 2.5 km (1.6 mi)
  • Waterfront Park – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum – 11 km (6.8 mi)
  • Mount Pleasant, SC – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Charleston Museum – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • King Street Shopping District – 2.5 km (1.6 mi)
  • USS Yorktown – 11 km (6.8 mi)
  • Folly Beach – 22 km (13.7 mi)
  • Isle of Palms – 17 km (10.6 mi)
  • Magnolia Plantation & Gardens – 11 km (6.8 mi)
  • Charleston International Airport – 22 km (13.7 mi)
  • Angel Oak Tree – 23 km (14.3 mi)
  • Sullivan’s Island – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Charleston Naval Base – 9 km (5.6 mi)
  • Cypress Gardens – 57 km (35.4 mi)