Sumter

Once a pre-War fort, Sumter now serves as a fortified outpost of the USAF under the command of Major Ronald Li. It serves as one of three major fortifications guarding Charleston Harbor, and coordinates with Battery City.

History

Named after General Thomas Sumter, a Revolutionary War hero, Fort Sumter was built after the 1814 Burning of Washington during the War of 1812 as one of a series of fortifications on the southern U.S. coast, to protect American harbors from foreign invaders such as Britain. Built on an artificial island in the middle of the channel that provides Charleston with natural shelter, Fort Sumter would dominate the harbor, reinforcing the protection provided by the shore batteries at Fort Moultrie, Fort Wagner, and Fort Gregg.

The island was originally a sand bar. In 1827, engineers performed measurements of the depths (depth sounding) and concluded that it was a suitable location for a fort. Construction began in 1829. Seventy thousand tons of granite were transported from New England to build up the artificial island. By 1834, a timber foundation that was several feet beneath the water had been laid. However, the decision was made to build a (stronger) brick fort. If completed, it would have been one of the strongest forts in the world.

The brick fort is five-sided, 170 to 190 feet (52 to 58 m) long, with walls five feet (1.5 m) thick, standing 50 feet (15.2 m) over the low tide mark. Although never completed, it was designed to house 650 men and 135 guns in three tiers of gun emplacements.

From 1876 to 1897, Fort Sumter was used only as an unmanned lighthouse station. The start of the Spanish–American War prompted renewed interest in its military use and reconstruction commenced on the facilities that had further deteriorated over time. A new massive concrete blockhouse-style installation was built in 1898 inside the original walls, armed with two 12-inch M1888 guns, one on a disappearing carriage. Named "Battery Huger" in honor of Revolutionary War General Isaac Huger, it never saw combat. In 1948 the fort became Fort Sumter National Monument under the control of the National Park Service.

Locations

Sumter is located on a small man-made island and consists of a dock, and the walled fort.

Wharf

The singular dock for Sumter serves as the main point of entry for supply ships and traders visiting the fort.

West Gorge

The western half of the grounds inside the walls of Sumter. The main entrance from the wharf is located here.

Museum

Formerly the museum for the park, the museum operates as the command center for Sumter. It separates the grounds inside the walls.

East Gorge

The eastern half of the grounds inside Sumter consists mostly of junk housing for the USAF forces stationed there.