A South Carolina Summer ~ Fort Sumter

Friday September 11, 2015

This, our last weekend in South Carolina, found us heading to Fort Sumter.

Decades of strife between the North and South erupted in Civil War on April 12, 1861 when Confederate artillery opened fire on this Federal fort. These were the first shots of the war, and continued all day, watched my many civilians in a celebrated spirit. Being cut off from its supply line, Fort Sumter surrendered 34 hours later. The second battle of Fort Sumter (September 8, 1863) was a failed attempt by the Union to re-take the fort. Although the fort was reduced to rubble, it remained in Confederate hands until it was evacuated as Sherman marched through South Carolina in February 1865.

Fort Sumter is located on an island in Charleston Harbor and is only accessible by boat. Trips to Fort Sumter originate both from Charleston and Patriots Point. We decided to take the boat from Patriots Point.

back over the bridge we went

dock leading to the boat. walkway in background to USS York

boat we took to Ft. Sumter. next to boat is walkway to USS York

and we're off!

hanging out in the bow of the boat

Charleston 

it was a beautiful day

remnants of Camp Pinckney. built in 1700's to keep pirates out of Charleston Harbor.
Blackbeard was hung there

approaching Fort Sumter

only one boatload at a time is permitted at the Fort

Fort Sumter was one of a number of special forts that was built after the War of 1812. These forts combined high walls and heavy masonry. Work on Fort Sumter started on 1829 but was incomplete in 1860 when South Carolina seceded from the Union.

Park Ranger giving us an overview of the fort

powder magazine. powder was stored in these specially constructed rooms. 

gun ports

visitors center

at one time a canon was located here

Charleston in the horizon

artillery shell

front of Visitors Center. flags represent all occupying forces of the fort

All too soon our time on Fort Sumter ended. We learned a lot and had a great time.

leaving the fort

another view of Charleston

Til next time,

Ron, Dawn & Coop