This month’s Day Trippin’ is to Fort Sumter. Some residents have never been to Fort Sumter, not only is it a step back in time and history but also a great excursion into Charleston Harbor. To begin your tour there are two locations (Downtown Charleston or Patriots Point) to board the boats for a 30-minute trip to the fort which sits at the entry to Charleston Harbor.
During the cruise to the fort, the tours give a great narration of some of the sites around Charleston harbor as you travel. Some of the sites include the Battery and Castle Pinckney. Depending on where you departed, you will also get great water views of the USS Yorktown or the City of Charleston in the area of White Point Gardens.
Fort Sumter has a very nice dock to depart the tour boats and after a short walk to the fort, visitors are greeted with an orientation from a Park Ranger telling the history of Fort Sumter. After the presentation you are free to roam around and explore the numerous canons and spaces along the brick walls of the fort. There are ruins of the various living quarters, storage areas for artillery shells and after a nice walk and climb up some stairs there is a great view of the surrounding islands and Fort Moultrie. On the upper level of the fort, the park service has provided a map indicating points of reference within sight of the fort.
Another highlight is the indoor exhibit area with great models of the fort, displays of old artillery shells, timelines, flags, and historic pictures. The fort also has small but well stocked gift shop on the second level as well.
Some of the tips for traveling to the fort are first, wear comfortable shoes as there is a fairly long walk to the fort. Second, the trip can be a little chilly as the winds on the harbor and at the fort can be strong at times. The fort is ADA compliant, but the ground is uneven in places. They do have elevators in place for wheelchairs. The staff is well versed and very approachable. If you have a question, ask, some of the answers are fascinating. Allow a full afternoon for the trip and keep an eye on the time, don’t miss the boat back.
Fort Sumter is a great adventure right in our back yard. Not only is it the site where the Civil War began, but a trip back in time with a great boat ride as well. Take a day and make a Day Trip the Fort Sumter.
