Redesignation of Fort Sumter National Monument

Originally published May 2019 · p. 1

CHARLESTON, S.C.—The National Park Service announces the redesignation of Fort Sumter National Monument to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. The law also establishes management authority and defines the park boundaries to include: Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, and the Sullivan’s Island Life Saving Station Historic District. This provision was passed as a part of the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act (Natural Resources Management Act of Recognizes) that passed both houses of Congress in February; President Donald Trump signed it into law on Tuesday, March 12, 2019. Originally, U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina introduced legislation in both 2016 and 2017 to enact the changes to the park. Fort Sumter was added to the National Park Service as a national monument in 1948. Fort Moultrie was added to the park in 1960 using the Historic Sites Act of 1935. “This name change to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park will help the public understand and recognize that Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, and the Sullivan’s Island Life Saving

Station Historic District are part of America’s National Park system,” stated Dawn Davis. “In particular, it will be wonderful to have Fort Moultrie elevated by including it in the name of the park, especially as the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution is just a few years away. Fort Sumter is the site of the opening bombardment of the Civil War on April 12-13, 1861. Across the Charleston Harbor entrance is Fort Moultrie, the site best known for the patriot’s repulse of the British Navy on June 28, 1776. Combined, both forts showcase 171 years of seacoast defense. Fort Sumter is located in Charleston Harbor and is only accessible by boat. Concession-operated ferry boats depart daily from Liberty Square in Charleston, and from Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. The Liberty Square departure point houses the park’s primary visitor center and is located at 340 Concord Street in Charleston. For information on ferry departure schedules and prices, call Fort Sumter Tours, Inc. at (843) 722-2628 or visit them online at www.fortsumttertours.com. Fort Moultrie is located at 1214 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island, and is accessible by car. Visit www.nps.gov/fosu/index.htm.