Why Visit Patriots Point
In addition to the USS Yorktown, youll get the chance to see the USS Laffey, a battleship and the USS Clamagore, a submarine. All three vessels can be toured, and there are plenty of photo opportunities in each one. Both adults and kids find the living quarters impressive on these vessels especially the barber shop and mess hall.
Charleston: Daytime Or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise
Experience Charleston on board a 1920s-Bay-Steamer-replica yacht.Listen carefully as your captain guides you on a journey through more than 300 years of American history. Youll pass by 75 landmarks and points-of-interest on this 20-mile trip.Get close-up views of the Holy City, including Fort Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Glide past Confederate and Union army forts and see the famous Fighting Lady of World War II.As you pass by remnants of the Civil and Revolutionary wars, dont forget to look for dolphins and pelicans splashing nearby.Choose between indoor or outdoor seating. There is also an enclosed observatory and a partially-covered upper deck in case of rain.
Incredibly fun, easy activity to enjoy on the water in Charleston! We appreciated the history we learned and the sunset was just gorgeous! Plenty of dolphin to watch and food/drinks for ourselves and the kids!
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How I Suggest Youexplore Fort Sumter And Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
As with most things in life there is no right or wrong wayto explore this national park site. However, I do have a suggestion for how todo it to maximize your time, avoid traffic congestion, and find a few othercools things to do.
Begin at PatriotsPoint Start early in the morning with the first boat ride available on theschedule from Patriots Point.
Explore Fort Sumter Youllhave forty minutes. However, when the boat you arrived on departs stay behindin the fort. Youll have about 15 minutes of peace and quite before the nexttour boat arrives.
Boat to LibertySquare When the second tour boat departs get on board. You will pass very closelyto Castle Pinckney for a great view. You will dock at Liberty Square.
Charleston Water Taxi You can purchase a ticket online or at 10 Wharfside Street just one block south from Liberty Square. Its a five minute walk along the boardwalk to the building at Charleston Maritime Center. Charleston Water Taxi is a fun and convenient way to cross the harbor.
Return to PatriotsPoint The water taxi takes about twenty minutes to cross Charleston Harborand returns you to Patriots Point.
Drive to FortMoultrie Drive down Coleman Boulevard through Mount Pleasant to SullivansIsland, then down the island to Fort Moultrie.
Explore Fort Moultrie You should have about an hour left to explore the fort which is plenty of time.
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Original Artifacts Still On Site
There is still a lot of original items on the island. Make sure you see the Civil War era projectiles still lodged in the walls, the crooked arch, and leaning brick walls where a powder keg accidentally exploded.
There are also very large and ancient canons to look at throughout the grounds. You can ask one of the volunteers for a demonstration of how the canons worked.
There is also a tattered US flag that was smuggled out in secrecy just before the fort was captured by the Confederates.
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Why Visit Fort Sumter
Not only was this the site of the start of the Civil War, but it was also the site of the Second Battle of Fort Sumter in 1863, where the Union Army attempted to reclaim control over the fort. Visitors can learn about the military history of the island while appreciating stunning views of Patriots Point, Downtown Charleston and the Ravenel Bridge.
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Exploring Fort Sumter And Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
Travel guide for exploring the various sites and taking the different boat tours at Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie in Charleston and Mount Pleasant.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Affiliate Disclosure here.
The boat ride across Charleston Harbor to Fort Sumter was absolutely enjoyable. A narrator on the boats intercom gave information about the construction of the coastal fort, first battle of the American Civil War, and pointed out Fort Moultrie on the left. By the time the boat docked thirty minutes later I was ready to explore Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park.
Charleston Harbor Tour Boone Hall Combo
Departing from Charleston Maritime Center Downtown CharlestonEnjoy a unique experience combining two of South Carolinas most respected and reliable tour attractions, Charleston Harbor Tours and Boone Hall Plantation. These tours reveal two very different sides of our beautiful historic city, and comprise an exciting adventure for the whole family.One discounted ticket will guarantee you a spot on the Charleston Harbor Tour AND entitle you to a ticket for admission to Boone Hall Plantation that can be used for any date and time!
Hop aboard the classic, 80-foot Carolina Belle, cruise the scenic Charleston Harbor while hearing fascinating local stories and seeing more than 75 landmarks, some critical to our nations history, including:
- Fort Sumter Cruise by Charlestons premiere historic attraction
- Civil War Forts Moultrie and Johnson
- USS Yorktown: the famous World War II Fighting Lady
- St. Michaels Church
- Stately homes on the Battery
- Cooper River Bridges, including the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Tickets Adult $52 Child $32
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Relive The Start Of The Civil War At Fort Sumter National Monument In Charleston Harbor
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, we’re turning the spotlight on South Carolina’s six national park sites.
Among them is Fort Sumter National Monument in Charleston, where the American Civil War began more than 150 years ago. On April 12, 1861, Confederate Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard ordered his Rebel batteries to open fire on the Union garrison located in the middle of Charleston Harbor. After enduring 34 hours of punishing enemy fire, the Fort Sumter commander surrendered. The bombardment played a major role in triggering the start of the Civil War.
Significance of Park: One of a series of coastal fortifications built by the United States after the War of 1812, Fort Sumter was still unfinished when Maj. Robert Anderson moved his 85-man garrison from Fort Moultrie to the island fort six days after South Carolina seceded from the Federal Union.
Beauregard demanded Anderson surrender Fort Sumter. When the Union commander refused, the Confederates unleashed a barrage of artillery fire from several batteries around the harbor. During the 34-hour cannonade, an estimated 3,000 shots were launched. Cannon fire broke through the fortress’s five-foot-thick brick walls, leaving the quarters burned, the main gates destroyed and the magazines surrounded by flames. Miraculously, no one on either side was killed during the engagement.
Directions To Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter is located on an island in Charleston harbor and is only accessible by boat.If you do not have access to a private boat, a concession-operated ferry is available. The primary departure site is from the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center located in downtown Charleston. For departure schedules and fees, visit the concessioner’s website.
The secondary departure site is located at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. Visitors with large vehicles such as buses and RVs should plan on using the Patriots Point departure site.
Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center340 Concord Street
Use this information to find our sites with your Global Positioning System unit.
Fort Sumter by FerryNOTICE: These addresses are for GPS locations only, not for mail.
Ferries departing from Liberty Square in Charleston:340 Concord Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Ferries departing from Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant:40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Fort Sumter by Private BoatThere is no address for Fort Sumter Island. Use the coordinate set of your choice below:
GPS: N 32 45.146 W 79 52.500
Latitude/Longitude: N32 45 08 W79 52 29
Fort Moultrie and Park HeadquartersGPS and Mailing Address:1214 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
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Exploring A Turning Point In American History: Visiting Fort Sumter
Ask most people where the Civil War started, and theyll say Fort Sumter in Charleston. It was at this US Army fort at the mouth of Charleston harbor that the first shots of the war rang out, starting one of the bloodiest and most tragic episodes of American history.
But the root causes of the Civil War stretch back far beyond that fateful early morning of April 12, 1861, and the consequences of that day extend far beyond the skirmish that saw Confederate troops overtake the small but highly strategic fort on a tiny windswept island. The Fort Sumter National Monument, part of the National Park System, attempts to tell that complicated and fascinating history. It also just happens to be one of the most lovely places in all of Charleston.
Start your visit at the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center at Liberty Square, located on the spot where Gadsdens Wharf once stood, right next to the South Carolina Aquarium. Gadsdens Wharf was once the place where enslaved Africans entered South Carolina. The visitor center tells the story of their journey, and of the economic, social and political history of slavery in the US that led up to those first shots fired at Fort Sumter. Make sure you give yourself an hour or even more to explore the exhibits. They give a context and history to the trip out to the fort that makes the experience even richer.
Charleston Harbor: Luxury Dinner Cruise
Embark on a true Charleston Harbor dining experience aboard the Spirit of Carolina. Enjoy a three-course dinner, made to order from local seasonal ingredients.As you dine on a delicious multi-course plated dinner, cruise through the beautiful Charleston Harbor, past Fort Sumter, along the Battery and beneath the Ravenel Bridge. Take in the views from the large enclosed air-conditioned dining decks or the open-air observation deck. Enjoy music throughout the cruise, as well as a full-service bar.
It was a great tour but I would pay extra for my own table. The shared tables were very small.
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Charleston: Historic City And Southern Mansion Combo Tour
Take a journey through Charlestons 300 years of living history with passionate licensed tour guides. Experience the Old Market area and the historic homes and churches where generations of Charlestonians worked, lived, and worshipped.Step out of the air-conditioned minibus onto the famous Battery Seawall to admire the wonderful views. See and hear about Fort Sumter, the Harbor of History, and the Aircraft Carrier Yorktown at Patriots Point.Enjoy a tour through the elegant interior of a fully-restored historic home Joseph Manigault House. Come and enjoy the beauty and hospitality of one of Americas most historic cities.
City tour was comfortable on a hot day. Very informative and fun. House tour was also informative and fun
Getting To The Ferry Ride For Fort Sumter
Liberty Square Visitor Education CenterCharleston Area Regional Transit Authority GPS Address Only:
Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, Mount Pleasant: Visitors can find parking onsite there is a flat-rate charge for parking. Visitors traveling in RVs or other large vehicles are encouraged to depart from Patriots Point to visit Fort Sumter.GPS Address: 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
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No Fort Sumter Ferry From Patriots Point January 22
Date:Contact:Bill Martin
There will be no Fort Sumter ferries departing from Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant from January 22-27, 2012 due to dredging operations at Patriots Point.
The regularly scheduled ferry departing from the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center at 340 Concord Street in Charleston will be operating as usual during this period. Departures are scheduled daily at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM. Visitors should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure in order to park, purchase tickets and board the ferry.
For more information please contact the ferry boat concessioner, Fort Sumter Tours, Inc. at 722-BOAT or online at .
Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center At Liberty Square
340 Concord Street, Charleston, SC 29401
The Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center at Liberty Square is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except for New Years, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. This building is free. With public health in mind, the number of people allowed into the building is being restricted. There may be a line outside waiting for entrance into the building. There are restrooms in the Visitor Education Center and across the street in the parking garage. While the water fountain is unavailable at this time, the touchless bottle fill stations are working. Please bring a refillable bottle with you. The Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center at Liberty Square is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 phase modulation except for New Years, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. This build is free. With populace health in mind, the number of people allowed into the build is being restricted. There may be a telephone line outside waiting for entrance into the construction. There are restrooms in the Visitor Education Center and across the street in the park garage. While the water fountain is unavailable at this time, the touchless bottle fill stations are working. Please bring a refillable bottle with you .
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Is There A Ferry Tour To Fort Sumter
It details the Fort Sumter Battle, as well as many other sites around Charleston that were significant during the Civil War. Fort Sumter is on an island and is only accessible by boat. Tours have ferries that leave from Liberty Square and Patriots Point in Charleston. It is suggested that guests book reservations in advance.
What Is The Geographic Significance Of Fort Sumter South Carolina
Although Fort Sumter held no strategic value to the Northit was unfinished and its guns faced the sea rather than Confederate shore batteriesit held enormous value as a symbol of the Union. The United States Army began building Fort Sumter on an artificial island at the entrance to Charleston Harbor in 1829.
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How To Visit Fort Sumter And Patriots Point
Fort Sumter and Patriots Point are two Charleston attractions that are popular with history buffs, nature lovers and photographers. While the exhibits at Fort Sumter focus mostly on Civil War history, the attractions at Patriots Point revolve primarily on the history of World War II and the Vietnam War.
Patriots Point and Fort Sumter can be visited in tandem or separately. Yet many visitors choose to visit them on the same day because Fort Sumter can be reached from Patriots Point by boat. There is also a water taxi that shuttles passengers to Patriots Point from Downtown Charleston.
How To Get To Patriots Point
If you have a car, you might want to take a drive to Patriots Point. Only about 10-minutes from Downtown Charleston, the drive is worth it. Crossing over the impressive Ravenel Bridge is an attraction unto itself.
If you dont have a car, dont worry you can get to Patriots Point via the Charleston Water Taxi too. It departs once an hour and takes a little over 30 minutes to reach the other side. You can also choose to stay on the ferry for the entire route, which takes approximately 60 minutes. A local company also offers helicopter rides to and from Patriots Point.
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How To Visit Patriots Point
Patriots Point is home to the USS Yorktown, an aircraft carrier that served in both World War II and the Vietnam War. The carrier is docked at a naval and maritime museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the history of an aircraft carrier, a battleship and a submarine. Anyone interesting in naval history will appreciate a visit to Patriots Point.
How To Get To Fort Sumter
The only way to get to Fort Sumter is by boat. One company, Fort Sumter Tours, runs the ferries that shuttle passengers to and from the island via Downtown Charleston at Liberty Square or from across the harbor at Patriots Point. The ferry ride is 30-minutes long each way, and ferry schedules vary throughout the year but generally run several times a day from Downtown Charleston and at least once a day from Patriots Point.
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Fort Sumter Ferry Departure Points
Liberty Square
40 Patriots Point RoadMt. Pleasant, SC 29464
When booking your Fort Sumter tour ticket for the ferry be sure to pay attention to your departure point Patriots Point or Liberty Square.
Ferry tickets do sell out ahead of time. The Park Service recommends buying your tickets at least 2-3 days in advance.
The ferry ride from Fort Sumter to Charleston is about 30 minutes. The overall tour is 2 hours and 15 minutes with about an hour left to walk the grounds.
The ferry boat is three-levels with some seating and tables. The indoor seating is limited so if it is a sunny day pack your sunscreen and hats. If you are visiting with small children bring some small entertainment items if you think they will need them. We got a few snacks on board the ferry and looked for dolphins and the time passed quickly.
Coupons And Combo Packages
If youre looking to do more than just see Fort Sumter, there are a few combo packages that can help you save money on a variety of activities in and around Charleston.
Bus tour companies offer combo packages that include a tour and an activity, such as visiting Fort Sumter. But they have many other combos as well.
Find out more about saving money with a Charleston Bus Tour Combo Ticket here.
Gray Line
This company is well known for providing bus tour services all over the world. In Charleston, they offer a historic city tour that takes you to some of the most significant sites in the area.
One of their combo packages combines the city tour with a trip to Fort Sumter for one low price. This is a great way to discover the city and see some of the most important landmarks along the way.
- Ticket Price: $39 per person
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- More information.
Reviews for this combo deal are pretty good, although there were a few complaints from time to time.
Some customers would have liked the opportunity to stop and take pictures, but the city of Charleston does not allow hop-on, hop-off bus tour services.
A majority of guests were very happy with this trip, indicating that their tour guides were friendly and entertaining. Several visitors felt that this was a wonderful way to discover the area and its history.
Old South Carriage Company
If a bus tour isnt your style, perhaps youll enjoy a carriage ride instead.
USS Yorktown
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