Fort Sumter

Arguably the most popular fort of the city and one of the most famous ones in the nation, Fort Sumter is a must-visit spot. The fort is placed upon an artificial island, sitting at the harbour gate and has seen the beginning of the Civil War in the late 19th century. The fort was built as a protective structure that can save the city from foreign invasion in the early 19th century. Though the fort could have been more glorious than it is now, with a structure stronger than most forts currently, the construction was cut short due to various reasons. In 1861, when the war broke out, the fort faced massive damage to its structure and though repairs have been made, it is still not restored to how it was when it was initially built. The fort now serves as a monument for locals and tourists. It displays the rich history that it has witnessed through the years. The fort and the Visitor Education Centre offer tours and exhibits to better explain the incidents that occurred there. The fort can be accessed by riding a ferry from Patriots Point.