Incredible history, fascinating! Would recommend to anyone who would like to get a glimpse of the history behind the beginning of the civil war. More

The ferry ride to the island takes around 40 minutes and offers excellent views of the bridge and the USS Yorktown. Sadly the low-lying nature of the city and surrounding coast means it's hard to get an appreciation of what you're looking at. There is a commentary provided about the early military history of Charleston and the fort; however, you... More

The ferry ride can be pleasant or noisy (kids!), the Ranger's talk is essential for understanding the site. Not really much left of the fort itself but being the point of the start of the Civil War, it's just one of those places you have to have visited once. Time is limited to 1 hour on the fort island, so... More

You get to Ft. Sumter via a ferry. The ride through the harbor is pleasant and gives some nice views of Charleston Harbor. There isn't much to the fort except for crumbling walls, cannons, and a small museum, so don't expect a lot of WOW. (Plenty of room for young kids to run.) Tag along with one of the park... More

Take the 1/2 hr ferry from Historic Charleston or from Patriots Point Naval Museum. This fort was designed to protect Charleston Harbor. It was initially 3 stories high. Just before the war began a small garrison of Union soldiers took over the fort. When those solders refused to evacuate South Carolina succeeded from the Union and attacked the fort with... More

Most people think that the attack on Fort Sumter that started the Civil War is the whole story. The later siege of Sumter is less known and equally interesting; it is told very well at this site. The brick fort itself was mostly destroyed during the siege; the Confederate soldiers built and maintained a defensive perimeter out of rubble and... More

We found the trip to the fort very informative. The rangers conducting the tours were knowledgable and courteous. One of the plaques was dedicated to military personnel and one of them was from a nearby county in our state and we had no idea of his involvemnet at the fort. In addition, we were able to roam the fort grounds... More

This is a must for everyone to see and experience. If you want to know more about the birth of our nation and the struggles of our past. . .this one place puts a lot into perspective. Spirit Cruiselines provides a cruise to the island and gives interesting details about its past and future. Take your family and friends to... More

We visited the fort on a very rainy day but still enjoyed our trip. By going out to the fort, I was able to get a good grasp on the battle and the siege. The museum's display was excellent and our ranger was very informative with his interpretation of the history of the fort. More