Formally, the Civil War began here.

Liberty Square is where we caught the ferry to Fort Sumter on Monday.  It was a short half hour ride, giving us an hour to check out the fort.  Being the first group we were able to watch the flag raising ceremony.

Construction of the fort began in 1829.  The 3 level structure wasn't even complete when it received serious damage in the Civil War in 1861.  Fort Sumpter is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.  Battery Huger was built across the parade route at the time of the Spanish-American war.  Fort Sumter was transferred to the National Park System in 1948 and became a National Monument in 2019.  Many areas are still being restored. 

Across the bay from our ferry was a big aircraft carrier.

The Carnival Sunshine was docked near the ferry.

A container barge passed us.

The paths were made from shells.  Shells were also used in making the walls.

This door led to a room where they remotely detonated bombs in the surrounding waters. 

Looking towards Charleston.

A cross was placed on this very small island where Castle Pickney, a structure used as a prison during the Civil War, was located.

Where are the Piepers now?  Charleston, S. C.

If you put a comment directly on the blog, you may see "anonymous" below with a drop-down box that allows you to change "anonymous" to your name so we know who is commenting.  Thanks for traveling along with us.  Ann and Pat