Fort Sumter

National historical park · Charleston, South Carolina

Illustration of Fort Sumter

Overview

Fort Sumter is a fort on an island in Charleston Harbor, reached by ferry.

History

The first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861.

Today

Visitors take a ferry to tour the fort and its museum.

Compiled October 2026. History is summarized for general interest; check primary sources for research. This landmark is local context, not an employer or job listing.