For those who wish to inspect the fort at their own pace, this text, keyed to the diagram below, describes a short tour of both ruins and exhibits. By comparing the diagram and the painting of the fort as it appeared of the eve of the Civil War, you will gain a better understanding of how the Fort Sumter you see today compares to the Fort Sumter of 1861.
Paralleling the left-flank casemates, this three-story building had a mess hall on the first floor and sleeping quarters on the upper floors. There was another barracks for enlisted men on the right flank.
Three stories high, this building extended the entire length of the gorge. In it were lodgings for officers, administrative offices, storerooms, a guardhouse, and powder magazines. For an unknown reason the small arms magazine in his corner of the barracks exploded on December 11, 1863 , killing 11 and wounding 41 Confederates. The explosion also titled the arch over the entrance to the magazine.
The Left-face casemates were destroyed by the fore of Union guns on Morris Island, 1863-1865. Several of the projectiles still protrude from the wall. Outside the casemate ruins are the 15-inch Rodman guns, an 8-inch Columbiad, and a 10-inch mortar.
A 251/2 -foot-wide promenade ran the full length of the gorge exterior, and a 171-foot wharf extended out from the sally port. This was the original entrance to the fort
About your visit
Fort Sumter National Monument is located on Charleston Harbor and can be reached only by boat. The fort is open daily form 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. between April 1 and Labor Day. At other times of the year the house vary and can be ascertained by calling (803) 883-3123. The fort is closed December 25.
Tour boats operated by by a National Park Service concessionaire leave from the city Marina on Lockwood drive just south of U.S. 17 in Charleston and from Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. For boat schedules, call (803) 722-1691 or write Fort Sumter Tours Inc.,205 King St. Suite 204 , Charleston S.C. 29401
Fort Sumter National Monument is administered by the National Park service, U.S. Department of the Interior. A superintendent whose address is 1214 Middle street, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482 is in immediate charge.