Two 15 inch 50,000-pound Rodman canons (on the sides), the largest guns used in the Civil War, are on display at the Fort Sumter site in Charleston, South Carolina.

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Guardians of Charleston Harbor

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The first shots of the Civil War rang out at Fort Sumter, on a pentagon-shaped island in the harbor. A Confederate stronghold, this fort was shelled to bits by Union forces from 1863 to 1865. A few original guns and fortifications give a feel for the momentous history here.

The only way to get here is by boat tour, which departs from 340 Concord St and from Patriot's Point in Mt Pleasant at varying times depending on the season (check the website). The monument also includes Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • The Georgian-style mansion at the historical McLeod plantation.

    McLeod Plantation

    5.8 MILES

    Opened to the public in 2015, this James Island plantation offers an honest and frankly devastating account of the lives of the enslaved and later …

  • Historic Aiken-Rhett House in Charleston, South Carolina.

    Aiken-Rhett House

    4.43 MILES

    The only surviving urban town-house complex, this 1820 abode gives a fascinating glimpse into antebellum life on a 45-minute self-guided audio tour. The…

  • Angel Oak tree on St. Johns Island near Charleston, SC.

    Angel Oak Tree

    12.23 MILES

    Some folks reckon this Southern live oak tree is 1500 years old (others says it's 400 to 500 years old). Whatever the case, it's one of the oldest living…

  • Old Slave Mart Museum

    Old Slave Mart Museum

    3.59 MILES

    Formerly called Ryan's Mart, this building once housed an open-air market that auctioned African American men, women and children in the mid-1800s, the…

  • Skeleton trees on Boneyard Beach, Bulls Island, South Carolina.

    Bulls Island

    18.09 MILES

    Part of Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, this pristine barrier island offers a haunting 'boneyard beach' (pines and myrtles poke out of the sand,…

  • Fort Moultrie

    Fort Moultrie

    1.08 MILES

    This layered fort encapsulates the history of US coastal defense spanning nearly 200 years and four wars. Aspects of the fort have been restored to help…

  • Heyward-Washington House

    Heyward-Washington House

    3.55 MILES

    As the name hints, this 1772 Georgian-style town house is kind of a big deal because George Washington rented it for a week, and visitors can stand in…

  • Charleston, SC - February 2 2020: The Plantation home at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens; Shutterstock ID 1661611987; your: Bridget Brown; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: POI Image Update

    Magnolia Plantation

    15.19 MILES

    This 500-acre plantation, which has been owned by the Drayton family since 1676, is a veritable theme park. Enjoy a tram tour, a petting zoo and a guided…

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Nearby Charleston attractions

1. Fort Moultrie

1.08 MILES

This layered fort encapsulates the history of US coastal defense spanning nearly 200 years and four wars. Aspects of the fort have been restored to help…

2. Patriot's Point Naval & Maritime Museum

3.18 MILES

This museum is home to the USS Yorktown, a giant aircraft carrier used extensively in WWII. You can tour the ship's flight deck, bridge and ready rooms…

3. Edmondston-Alston House

3.4 MILES

Charles Edmondston built this Federal-style home in 1825 for a mere $25,000, and fell on hard times in 1837, forcing him to sell it to Charles Alston for …

4. Waterfront Park

3.45 MILES

A lovely, eight-acre park on the Cooper River, notable for its landscape architecture and eye-catching, pineapple-shaped fountain. During summer it's a…

5. Battery & White Point Garden

3.45 MILES

The Battery is the southern tip of the Charleston Peninsula, buffered by a seawall. Stroll past cannons and statues of military heroes in the gardens,…

6. Rainbow Row

3.46 MILES

With its 13 candy-colored houses, this stretch of Georgian row houses on lower E Bay St is one of the most photographed areas in Charleston. The…

7. Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

3.48 MILES

Kids love the creepy dungeon, used as a prison for American patriots held by the British during the Revolutionary War. The cramped space sits beneath a…

8. Calhoun Mansion

3.5 MILES

If you've ever wondered what the wealthiest, fanciest, most well-traveled hoarder's house might look like, visit the Calhoun Mansion. With 35 rooms and 24…