Fort Moultrie/Fort Sumter National Monument

  The first fort on Sullivan’s Island was built at the entrance to Charleston Harbor to guard the city from British ships during the Revolutionary War. From 1776 to 1947 the fort, with improvements and changes, was put to use in the Civil War, WWI, and WWII. On December 20, 1860, in an action that started the Civil War, South Carolina succeeded from the Union and the federal soldiers at Moultrie refused to turn the fort over to the Carolina soldiers. Six days later they moved to the stronger Fort Sumter located on a tiny island in the harbor. In April of 1861, after two days of bombardment the Union soldiers surrendered Fort Sumter to the Confederates which marked the beginning of four long years of war.

  Since the fort was used up to WWII there are many newer structures but parts of the fort have been restored to reflect all the periods complete with old armaments. The visitor center has a short film about the history of the fort and displays with artifacts and photographs.

  The visitor center is accessible except for the viewing deck on the roof. The fort is partly accessible.The walkway that leads to the center of the fort is paved and level. The walkways to the canons are very steep. Most wheelchair users will need to have help. Most of the other areas in the fort are accessed by stairs only. A paved walkway on the outside perimeter leads to interpretive signs and a good view of Fort Sumter.

  The parking lot has long RV/bus spaces.  Fort
  32.76159, -79.85702