Where The American Civil War Began Decades of growing strife between North and South erupted in civil war on April 12, 1861, when Confederate artillery opened fire on this Federal fort in Charleston Harbor. Fort Sumter surrendered 34 hours later. Union forces would try for nearly four years to take it back.

Ferries leave from Aquarium/IMAX or from the Carrier/Submarine.

Where the civil war began! Take a boat from Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center 340 Concord Street Charleston, South Carolina