History Uncovered: 10 Eye-Opening Fort Sumter Facts
Published about 1 month ago • 4 min read
Hello fellow wanderer!
Happy June, Reader! The #100daysofsummer has officially begun, which is a significant milestone in RV life. That span of 100 days can make or break you if you depend on campgrounds! It's the busiest time of year, and making campground reservations becomes a bit more challenging. Spending time on the East Coast means less boondocking and more campgrounds for us, but exploring the incredible history makes it all worthwhile!
This week, I am excited to share some highlights from my visit to Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. I credit my love of Civil War history to that famous literary work of art, “Gone With The Wind,” and the shenanigans of Rhett and Scarlet. Seriously, though, the chance to visit such a historic place was incredibly thrilling!
In this issue, number 100 in case you missed that milestone at the top (yay me!), I want to share my top takeaways from the visit.
Top 10 Important Facts About Fort Sumter
Our Ferry ride over to the Fort included one of the best ranger talks I've ever heard!
Start of the Civil War Fort Sumter is famously known as the site where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired on April 12, 1861. Confederate forces opened fire on the Union-held fort, sparking a four-year conflict. The battle lasted roughly 34 hours before Major Robert Anderson agreed to surrender the fort to the Confederate army.
A view of the fort with the harbor that the Union soldiers were protecting before their surrender to the Confederates.
Built for Coastal Defense Construction of Fort Sumter began in 1829 as part of a broader effort to strengthen coastal defenses after the War of 1812. It was still incomplete when the Civil War began, but it was declared “done enough” for Major Anderson to move his command to the fort.
If only these walls could talk! I would love to hear the stories of how they were built and defended by both the Union and the Confederacy.
Located in Charleston Harbor The fort sits on an artificial island at the entrance to Charleston Harbor. It was strategically placed to protect one of the busiest ports in the South, which was crucial for trade, especially the export of cotton and rice.
The view of the fort as the ferry approached. The equipment to the right is for some construction work on the dock.
No Lives Lost in the First Battle Despite heavy bombardment during the April 1861 attack, there were no fatalities during the initial surrender of the fort, an ironic contrast to the devastating war that followed.
The yellow rope highlights a cannonball embedded in the wall from the battle.
Held by Confederates for Most of the War After the Union surrender in April 1861, Confederate forces occupied the fort for nearly four years, withstanding repeated Union attacks and naval blockades.
Named After a War Hero The fort is named after General Thomas Sumter, a hero of the American Revolutionary War and native South Carolinian known as the “Fighting Gamecock.” That answers those South Carolina mascot questions I've always had!
Examining the canons close-up seemed to be the activity of the tour! Hard to believe that they are nearly 200 years old!
A Symbol of Union Resolve Major Robert Anderson's decision to move his small garrison from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter in late 1860 was a bold act of defiance that helped rally support for the Union cause. South Carolina had just seceded from the Union, and tensions were very high. Anderson knew that protecting the harbor would be essential to continue receiving supplies for the citizens of Charleston.
Can you imagine being in charge of this cannon during the battle?
Reduced to Ruins by Shelling From 1863 to 1865, Union forces bombarded Fort Sumter for 22 months, causing massive damage. By the end of the war, the fort was little more than rubble. Ranger Andy told our group that the fort had originally been about twice as tall. It is incredible that anything is still standing after that intense attack. I'm not sure anything is built that sturdy anymore!
In the years since the war, these walls have survived hurricanes and curious humans! I loved the textures and color variations of the bricks.
Union Flag Re-Raised in 1865 On April 14, 1865, exactly four years to the day after the fort’s surrender, Major Anderson returned to Fort Sumter to raise the same U.S. flag he had lowered. That evening, President Lincoln was assassinated. A bonus on the tour was being on the first ferry out to the Fort, where the rangers lead a flag-raising ceremony each day. I was excited to be able to participate in that honor! Touching the flag (even a replica) was such a thrill!
The crowd gathered for the ceremony, and more stories from Ranger Andy, shown at the base of the flag pole.
A National Monument Today Fort Sumter was designated a National Monument in 1948 and is now managed by the National Park Service. It’s accessible only by boat and serves as a powerful reminder of America's divided past.
Tips for visiting Fort Sumter
Here are 5 tips to make your adventures the highlight of your summer!
Summer is a busy time for travel and exploration so plan ahead.
Bring your camera! A no-brainer, right?!? Remember to document the details of your adventure.
Join a ranger-led tour if you can. Ranger Andy and Ranger Walt provided such vivid details through their stories it really brought the history alive!
Take a moment to walk the perimeter walls in silence. Imagine what it was like during that fateful time in history on an island built for protecting a busy harbor.
Check out the museum inside the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center before boarding the ferry. It gives great context and helps you appreciate the site even more.
What's next?
I don't usually go on tours that require a fee, but this is a tour I highly recommend! The park is free; however, a ferry ride is required to access it, and the tickets cost $40 per adult. Click here for more information. I didn't have a chance to visit Fort Moultrie, so if you do, let me know what you think!
I did this visit solo while Jody was on a work trip, and I made a full day of it by following the fort tour up with a visit to Boone Plantation! I will be sharing that visit in the next issue. It was an incredible place with a rich history, so you won’t want to miss it.
I felt like I was waiting for Rhett and Scarlett to make an appearance!
Until next week!
PS: If you are hitting the road this summer for an RV trip, check out this blog post for traveling on a budget!
