Attractions
Fort Sumter
Situated on a small man-made island in the bay guarding the entrance to Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter National Monument is one of the most important historic military sites in the country where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired in 1861. With the secession of South Carolina, the Confederates demanded the surrender of the fort, and after 34 hours of continuous bombardment the Union forces had no choice but to relinquish their hold. The Union troops became the first prisoners of the Civil War. The Confederates occupied Fort Sumter, which became a symbol of Southern resistance until it was retaken by Union forces in 1865 after nearly four years of almost continual attack, which reduced most of the fort to rubble. Park rangers conduct free tours around the restored structure, which includes a museum with historical displays.
Telephone: (843) 883 3123
Web site: www.nps.gov/fosu
Transport: Tour boats leave from the Fort Sumter Visitor Center on Liberty Square, and Patriots Point Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant. The Charleston Area Rapid Transit Authority serves all the park sites
Opening time: Open daily; hours vary according to the ferry schedule. Closed Christmas, New Year and Thanksgiving
Admission: The museum is free. Boats cost $14 (adults) and $8 (children). Other concessions are available
South Carolina Aquarium
The South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston's most visited attraction, features thousands of amazing aquatic animals from river otters and sharks to loggerhead turtles in over 60 exhibits, which represent the rich biodiversity of South Carolina from the mountains to the sea. The Aquarium also presents fabulous views of Charleston harbor like no other found in the historic downtown area. Daily interactive exhibits and programs are offered for visitors of all ages. Every visit to the Aquarium reveals something new - glimpses of new animals in exhibits, budding plants, baby animals and more. Not only that, the institution provides a variety of opportunities to learn about conservation, animal life, endangered species and environmental issues.
Address: 100 Aquarium Wharf
Telephone: (843) 720 1990
Web site: www.scaquarium.org
Transport: The DASH Shuttle service to the Aquarium is available from the Charleston Visitor Center
Opening time: Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm. Open until 6pm from April to 15 August. Last ticket sold an hour before closing time. Closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas
Admission: $16 (adults), $8 (children 2-11). Discounted combination tickets are also available
Charleston Museum
America's First Museum, the Charleston Museum was founded in 1773. Its mission is to preserve and interpret the cultural and natural history of Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry. Exhibitions include cultural, historic and natural history artifacts and alongside are two National Historic Landmark houses, the Heyward-Washington House and Joseph Manigault House, which depict southern life in days gone by.
Address: 360 Meeting Street
Telephone: (843) 722 2996
E-mail: info@charlestonmuseum.org
Web site: www.charlestonmuseum.org
Opening time: Year round Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 1pm to 5pm. The Heyward-Washington House and Joseph Manigault House are open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 1pm to 5pm
Admission: Museum only: $10, Museum and both houses: $22. Children aged 3-12 pay $5
