A Visit to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

Journey back in time with the Charleston National Parks as they tell the stories of Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, and the roles they played in the American Civil War. Included in this series are videos chronicling the outbreak of the Civil War, Robert Smalls' helping others escape from slavery, and the Massachusetts 54th Infantry's legendary storming of Battery Wagner.

Welcome to Fort Sumter | Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie

Episode 1

Video

Grades: 4 8

This episode introduces the student to the social history of South Carolina, the rise of Charleston as an important shipping center, and the building of the fort where the Civil War began. It further...

The Start of the Civil War | Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie

Episode 2

Video

Grades: 4 8

This episode explores the events that led to the bombardment of Fort Sumter, the opening event of the Civil War. It also follows the movement of Major Robert Anderson and his garrison from Fort...

A Family's Escape to Freedom | Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie

Episode 3

Video

Grades: 4 8

The cunning and bravery of South Carolinian, Robert Smalls, is featured in this episode, as he brings his family and others to freedom under the guns of Fort Sumter in the early years of the war. [We...

"Onward, 54th!" | Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie

Episode 4

Video

Grades: 4 8

Episode 4 focuses on the attempts of the North to take back Fort Sumter and hopefully bring the war to an end. This episode illustrates the struggles of African American soldiers who fought bravely on...

Closing | Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie

Episode 5

Video

Grades: 4 8

This brief episode summarizes the importance of Fort Sumter and the events that occurred there in shaping the destiny of our nation.

Partners

Fort Sumter - Fort Moultrie Historical Trust