We’ve visited Charleston several times but we’ve never been to Fort Sumter because the only way over to the island is by a concession-operated ferry. Entry to the monument is free but the ferry ride is kind of expensive at $18.00 a person. However since we’ve been to almost every other civil war site it was definitely time to go see Fort Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War were fired after the Union army refused to surrender the fort to South Carolina troops.The Union finally surrendered on April 14, 1861 after two days of bombardment.The Confederates held the fort until February 15, 1865 when they evacuated ahead of Union troops who were marching on the city. By that time the fort was mostly rubble from years of artillery fire from Union ships.
The entire tour takes 2 1/4 hours with an hour at the fort. A short history of the fort is given on the ferry ride. Rangers at the fort give another short presentation. Our guide from the ferry, who accompanied the passengers to the fort, was also very knowledgeable. The brick walls of the original fort have been partly rebuilt. The center contains a large poured concrete blockhouse built in 1898 which now houses a gift shop and museum. Interpretive signs are located around the grounds.
The ferry is accessible but the ramp from the dock to the ferry doesn't fit exactly flush.The top deck is opened so dress for the weather. The bottom deck which is heated and enclosed is accessed by stairs only. There are two ferry departure locations – Liberty Square in Charleston and Patriots Point on the east side of the harbor. We left from Patriots Point because the parking lot is recommended for RVs. The ferry from Liberty Square appears to be more wheelchair accessible. The fort is partly accessible. A wheelchair lift accesses the gift shop and museum, however, it was broken when we visited and we got the impression that it’s often not working.
If you are visiting with your RV take the ferry from Patriots Point. Follow the signs to the RV/bus parking lot. Fort
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Fort Sumter is always a must see whenever I am in the Charleston area. It is usually my second stop after the confederate cemetery. I just wish that some of the more secluded sites like castle Pinckney were open to the public, if for nothing else than just to see the architecture. great post, and nice picture of the fort interior.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment! Curiosity sent me to Goggle satellite view - the ruins Castle Pinckney look really cool. Someone has planted a Confederate flag in the center. Too bad the island is off limits. :- (
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