Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park |
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 Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
Location in South Carolina
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Charleston, South Carolina |
| Area | 199.57 acres (80.76 ha) |
| Established | 1948 |
| Visitors | 888,330 (in 2016) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park |
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park is a special place in Charleston County, South Carolina. It's a National Historical Park that protects important historical sites. These include Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, the Charleston Light, and Liberty Square, Charleston. The park used to be called Fort Sumter National Monument. Its name was changed on March 12, 2019.
This park helps us learn about a big part of American history. It teaches us about the disagreements that led to the American Civil War. It also shows us how people lived and fought during that time.
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Discover Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie
This park is made up of several important locations. Each one helps tell a different part of the story. You can visit museums, explore old forts, and even see a lighthouse.
Exploring Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter is famous for where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired. It's located in Charleston Harbor.
The Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center
The Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center is in Charleston, South Carolina. You can find it at 340 Concord Street, Liberty Square. It's right by the Cooper River.
This center has cool museum exhibits. They explain the big disagreements between the North and South. These disagreements led to the events at Fort Sumter. You can learn about how the Confederate Army was formed. You'll also see displays about important people and politics of that time.
This center is also where you catch the boat to Fort Sumter. Fort Sumter is only reachable by boat! Park rangers and volunteers are often on the boats. They share interesting facts and stories during your trip.
Visiting Fort Sumter Island
Once you arrive at Fort Sumter itself, there's another museum. This museum focuses on the fort's history. You can learn how it was built. You'll also discover its important role during the American Civil War.
Discovering Fort Moultrie
Fort Moultrie is another historic fort in the park. It's located on Sullivan's Island. This fort has a long history of protecting the coast.
The Fort Moultrie Visitor Center
The Fort Moultrie Visitor Center is at 1214 Middle Street. It's right across from the fort. Here, you can get a brochure to guide yourself around the fort. There are also signs with information posted throughout the fort.
Sometimes, park staff offer guided tours. These tours usually happen daily at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM. The center also has a film to watch. Its museum exhibits show how American seacoast defenses changed from 1809 to 1947. You can also learn about the history of the first two forts built here. There's an information desk where rangers can answer your questions. You can also find a book and souvenir store, and restrooms.
Exploring Fort Moultrie Itself
When you walk through Fort Moultrie, you'll see how it was built to defend the coast. You can imagine soldiers standing guard there long ago. It's a great way to understand military history.
Charleston Light
The Charleston Light is a lighthouse that is part of the park. It's not open for people to go inside. However, you can view it from the surrounding grounds. These grounds also give you access to the beach. It's a nice spot to see the lighthouse and enjoy the coastal views.
