Fort Sumter

When we stopped at the SC visitors' center for information about Charleston, we were overwhelmed.  Historic Charleston is a relatively small area built out from the wharf area, but there is stuff to see all around the bay in every direction.  There are a number of islands with stuff for everyone--history, architecture, shopping, eating.  Since we are learning our American history, we decided to start with Fort Sumpter.  The visitors center and fort are free to pass holders, but the ferry is $16 each.   

Fort Sumpter was begun in 1829, one of a series of coastal fortifications built by the US after the War of 1812.  The fort was constructed on 170 tons of east coast granite in the middle of the narrow mouth of the bay.  The fort was still unfinished when Maj. Robert Anderson moved his 85 man garrison into it the day after Christmas 1860, setting in motion events that would start the Civil War. Lack of manpower forced Anderson to surrender the fort and the Confederates took over.  With later reinforcements the Federal troops decided to bombard the fort from the other forts surrounding it.  The restored fort today bears little resemblance to the impressive work that stood there when the war began in 1861.  

During the decade following the war, the Army attempted to put Fort Sumpter back into shape as a military installation.  From 1876-1897 the fort was not garrisoned and served mainly as a lighthouse station.  The impending Spanish-American war prompted renewed activity that resulted in the reconstruction of Battery Huger in 1898 and the installation of more modern long-range canon. During WWI a small garrison manned the rifles (big guns) at Battery Huger.  For the next 20 years, although maintained by the Army, the fort was not used as a military establishment.  It did become a destination for tourists until WWII brought about the fort's reactivation.  The Battery Huger rifles were removed in 1943.  During late WWII antiaircraft guns were installed and manned by Coast Artillery.  In 1948, transferred from the War Dept. to the National Park Service, the fort became a national monument.  The fort today maintains the main historical portions of the fort.

After a short 15 min. history lesson, we were free to wander the fort for about an hour before reboarding the ferry.  The entire tour takes 2 hours allowing 30 min on the ferry each way.  The ferry is provided with restrooms, a snack area, seating inside and out.  A recording provides historical information about the fort.

Except for the American flag in the middle, the other flags show the succession of SC flags.

The submarine Hunley figured in the Civil War.  It is on display for touring, but like everyplace else in Charleston,  it charges its own fees.

These guns are huge and can shoot miles.

On our return ferry ride we passed this cruise ship being escorted out to see bytwo tiny Coast Guard boats.  They were small but their guns were manned.

We passed the retired aircraft carrier Yorktown which is now a floating museum.

Our pilot maneuvering us safely into dock.

We arrived at Ft. Sumpter site too early for our tour so we filled up our parking meter (city parking garages do not allow motorcycles) and walked down the street to a locally recommended deli for a pricey but good sandwich, then back for a view of the displays in the visitors' center.  After our tour we took time for a visit to the local H-D store, which turned out to be rather large.

The bikes on the wall are show bikes.

Tired and hungry, we hopped the bike for home.  Next, we tour one of the islands and see some of historical Charleston.

Later,

Louise and Duane