Fort Sumter: (843) 883-3123
Fort Sumter was the starting place of the American Civil War.  The Fort Sumter National Monument commemorates defining moments in American history that spans more than a century and a half.  The Fort Sumter National Monument may be visited by private boat or by ferryboat.  Ferries are available from Patriots Point in Mt Pleasant or Liberty Square in Charleston.

Fort Moultrie: (843) 883-3123
This is the site of the first American victory over British Navy in 1776, which galvanized the patriotic cause for independence. Fort Moultrie has been restored to portray major periods of its history.  A visitor can go through time from the site of the Palmetto-log fort of 1776 to the World War II Harbor Entrance Control Post. The Visitor Center houses exhibits and a 20-minute orientation film.

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum: (843) 884-2727
The largest museum of its kind is located in Mt Pleasant.  It began in 1975 when the legendary aircraft carrier, USS Yorktown appeared at Charleston Harbor.  Since then, it has been joined by the destroyer USS Laffey, and the Balao class submarine Clamagore. Located landside is the only replica of a Vietnam Support Base and a Cold War Submarine Memorial.

The H.L Hunley: (877) 448-6539
The H.L. Hunley was the world’s first successful combat submarine.  It was lost at sea for over a century but was raised in 2000. Today scientists are busy at work to conserve the Hunley but tours are available.