Fort Sumter National Monument, Sullivans Island

Fort Sumter had been under construction for more than 30 years in December of 1860 when Major Robert Anderson relocated his troops there in the middle of the night from Fort Moultrie . On April 12, 1861 the first shot of the Civil War was fired on the Fort by Confederate troops at Fort Johnson. Following 34 hours of fighting, Major Anderson surrendered but the siege continued for two more years. Fort Sumter has since stood as a symbol of Southern resistance. The fort is on 200 acres of land surrounded by water at the entrance to Charleston Harbor and is only accessible by boat, with ferries departing from Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant and Liberty Square in Charleston. Ferry fees: $14 adults; $12.50 seniors 62+; $8 children ages 6-11; children under 6 are free. Hours vary according to season; consult the website for more details.