A row of cannon with Fort Moultrie in the background. A US flag is flying in the fort.

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

National Historical Park · South Carolina

NPS Photo

📍 StateSouth Carolina

🏛️ TypeNational Historical Park

🎟️ Entry$10

🏃 Activities23

Official NPS Website →

National Historical Park of the United States

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park is a United States National Historical Park located in Charleston County, in coastal South Carolina. It mainly protects Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, the Charleston Light and Liberty Square. It was known as Fort Sumter National Monument until it was renamed in the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, signed March 12, 2019.

Wikipedia WikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

About Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

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.

Park Photos

Fort Sumter with a US flag flying above the fort with dock in the foreground

Civil War cannon sitting on carriage pointing towards firing hole in brick wall

Center of image is round metal and glass signal light with grassy hills hills in background

A three-story brick structure with a staircase in front and water in the background

Operating Hours

Fort Moultrie

Fort Moultrie represents the entire history of static seacoast defenses in the United States, from the American Revolution through World War II. The site includes a visitor center with museum exhibits. The Fort Moultrie Visitor Center is open daily 9:00 am-4:30 pm. The fort itself is open until 4:30 pm all year. There is an entrance fee for the park.

mon	tue	wed	thu	fri	sat	sun
9:00AM - 4:30PM	9:00AM - 4:30PM	9:00AM - 4:30PM	9:00AM - 4:30PM	9:00AM - 4:30PM	9:00AM - 4:30PM	9:00AM - 4:30PM

Fort Sumter Visitor Center at Liberty Square

The Fort Sumter Visitor Center at Liberty Square, 340 Concord Street, Charleston, is the primary departure point for ferry boats to Fort Sumter. This visitor education center is free. There is a fee for the concession-operated ferry to Fort Sumter.

mon	tue	wed	thu	fri	sat	sun
8:30AM - 4:30PM	8:30AM - 4:30PM	8:30AM - 4:30PM	8:30AM - 4:30PM	8:30AM - 4:30PM	8:30AM - 4:30PM	8:30AM - 4:30PM

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park?

Entrance - Per Person: $10.00. Fort Moultrie charges a per person entrance fee for adults. Anyone 16 years old or older is considered an adult.

What are the best activities at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park?

Popular activities at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park include: Astronomy, Stargazing, Boating, Boat Tour, Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, Food, Dining.

What is the weather like at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park?

Mild winters. Hot and humid during the summer.

How do I get to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park?

Fort Sumter is accessible by ferry boat. Boats depart at scheduled times from two sites. The primary departure point is the Fort Sumter Visitor Center, 340 Concord Street, Charleston. Boats also 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.