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The American Civil War stands out due to its impact and toll on the nation. The location of the start of America's most infamous war was Fort Sumter, which still remains today for travelers to visit and learn about the origins of this tragic war.
History buffs will love the chance to explore the place, and the artifacts that remain, where the Civil War began in April 1861. Travelers will have the chance to hear accounts of the start of this war from Park Rangers, who will tell the story of the fort. Travelers will even have the chance to delve into the self-guided tour of the fort and its museum. This is a can’t-miss opportunity for travelers that love history.
Fort Sumter Admission And Self-Guided Tour With Roundtrip Ferry
Visiting the historic Fort Sumter in Charleston is a sought-after activity for many history buffs. At the sight of the battle which started the American Civil War, there is much to discover a Fort Sumter. This tour is provided by the sole operator of both round-trip ferry service and entry into the fort. The cruise to the fort is a charming 30-minute journey each way along Charleston Harbor. There are two convenient departure locations allowing travelers to pick the one that is best for them.
Travelers will not only be able to enjoy the fort but also the sight of sites like Liberty Square and Patriots Point. Upon arriving at the fort, travelers will be greeted by National Park Rangers, who will awe travelers with stories from America’s deadliest war before travelers begin their 1-hour self-guided tour of Fort Sumter National Monument.
Travelers should make sure to leave themselves enough time to stop by the museum, bookstore, and souvenir shop to pick up something to remember this adventure before returning to Mt. Pleasant of Charleston. This is a can’t-miss adventure for those fascinated by history.
What's Included
Travelers can look forward to just about everything being included in their ticket. Admission to the historic Fort Sumter is, of course, included. The ferry ride, with the option of two different starting points, is included. The one-hour self-guided tour through Fort Sumter and its well-preserved ruins is included. The Narration from the National Park Rangers about the start of the war, the Fort Sumter Museum about the Civil War, the Bookstore, and the Souvenir Shop are also all part of the experience. Food, beverages, and gratuities are not included, though there will be beverages available for purchase.
Starting And Ending This Incredible Tour Of Fort Sumter
Travelers will have the option to start from two different meeting points. The ferry will make two stops; the travelers can choose whichever is more convenient for them to board and depart from, making this an incredibly accessible activity.
Meeting points
Travelers will have the choice of two meeting points for starting this adventure. The first is Downtown Charleston Square’s Fort Sumter Visitors Center which can be found at 340 Concord St., Charleston, SC 29401. The second location is Mt. Pleasant Patriots Point, 40 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.
- Meeting Point One - 340 Concord St. Charleston, SC 29401
- Meeting Point Two - 40 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Ending Point
The ending point for this adventure will be the same as the selected starting point, so travelers can feel comfortable leaving their vehicles nearby to retrieve them later.
What To Expect On This Charleston Tour
Travelers will have much to look forward to on this incredible tour of Fort Sumter.
Fort Sumter National Monument
The primary stop during this tour, the historic Fort Sumter National Monument, offers an incredible chance to experience both the scenic ride to the fort and the well-preserved ruins of the Fort Sumter National Monument. Fort Sumter represents the beginning of the war that would cost the US more lives than any other war the country has partaken in. Travelers will discover an incredibly informative video that will take them around the fort. Travelers will also be able to look forward to exploring the fort’s museum and souvenir shop before departure.
- Duration - 1 hour
- Admission Ticket - Included
Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center
Travelers will benefit from a stop at the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center. This isn’t one of the locations that the ferry to the fort departs from; it is a great place to arrive a bit early, too, so travelers can glean a bit of extra information about the adventure they are about to take part in.
- Admission Ticket - Free
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (Pass By)
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridges is one of the scenic locations travelers will pass on their way to the fort. The bridge is just one of the many sites travelers will be able to check out on their way to the fort.
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum (Pass By)
Those arriving from Patriots Point should arrive a bit early, so they can check out the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. The museum is the perfect place for travelers to get into the mood for history, including views of the historic USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier, before departing for Fort Sumter.
Fort Moultrie (Pass By)
Fort Moultrie is actually multiple forts making a series along Sullivan’s Island. Travelers will have the chance to check out views of these forts as the ferry passes by them.
Battery & White Point Gardens (Pass By)
Travelers will even be able to catch sight of Batter homes during their cruise. The famous White Point Gardens are beautiful to see as travelers pass them on their ferry ride.