Area
Two forts stand at the entrance of Charleston Harbor. Patriots inside a palmetto log fort, later named Fort Moultrie, defeated the Royal Navy in 1776. As Charleston blazed a path towards secession to preserve slavery, construction on a new fort, Fort Sumter, proceeded. The Confederacy fired on the US garrison of Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861 opening the Civil War, which redefined American freedom.
Entrance fee is $10.00.
There is a $10 entrance fee for Fort Moultrie per adult. Children 15 and younger are free. All America the Beautiful passes are accepted. The park does not accept cash for entrance fees. Credit, debit, and contactless payments are the only methods of payment accepted.
Fort Sumter is accessible by ferry boat. Boats depart at scheduled times from two sites. The primary departure point is the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center, 340 Concord Street, Charleston. Boats depart from Patriots Point, 40 Patriots Point Boulevard, Mount Pleasant. There is a fee for the concession-operated ferry. Fort Moultrie is accessible by car at 1214 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island. A park entrance fee is charged for the park. Details at: https://www.nps.gov/fosu/planyourvisit/directions.
Mild winters. Hot and humid during the summer.
