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Where The American Civil War Began

Decades of growing strife between North and South erupted in civil war on April 12, 1861, when Confederate artillery opened fire on this Federal fort in Charleston Harbor. Fort Sumter surrendered 34 hours later. Union forces would try for nearly four years to take it back.
 
Fort Moultrie, with a 32 pdr. seacoast cannon in the foreground.

Fort Moultrie

Fort Moultrie is a unit of Fort Sumter National Monument. The site is located on Sullivan's Island and is accessible by car. Learn about 171 years of American seacoast defenses.
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African Passages exhibit introductory panel.

New Museum Exhibit at Fort Moultrie Visitor Center

A new museum exhibit, African Passages, has been unveiled at the Fort Moultrie Visitor Center.
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Sullivan's Island Lighthouse, SC

Sullivan's Island Lighthouse Lecture

The architect of the Sullivan's Island Lighthouse will give a lecture on the lighthouse grounds on Sunday, April 26.
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Junior Ranger logo

Junior Ranger Day at Fort Moultrie

Kids are invited to participate in Junior Ranger Day from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25.
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Write to

1214 Middle Street
Sullivan's Island, SC 29482

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information & Park Headquarters
(843) 883-3123

Fax

(843) 883-3910

Climate

Summers are generally hot and humid. Brief showers and thunderstorms are normal, especially in the afternoon. Spring and fall are temperate. Winters may be cool and damp with occasional periods below freezing. Snow is unlikely.
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The General Beauregard is a ferry boat operated by Fort Sumter Tours, Inc.  

Did You Know?
Visitors without their own boat cannot reach Fort Sumter from Fort Moultrie. A concession-operated ferry service takes visitors to Fort Sumter from downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant. Fort Sumter National Monument, SC
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Last Updated: April 22, 2009 at 08:48 EST