New bill establishes Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie as National Historical Parks

In March, President Trump signed South Carolina Senator Tim Scott’s Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park Act into law. This changes the forts’ classification to a National Historical Park.

Previously known as national monuments, passage of the bill officially establishes the Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. Scott’s bill also updates protections governing some of the Palmetto State’s historical locations.

“The Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park Act will help ensure the preservation of these important sites for generations to come,” Senator Scott said.

The new designation also recognizes the importance of the territory in American history. The area played a significant role in protecting Charleston Harbor during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, as well as the development of the United States coastal defense system from 1776 to 1947. Additionally the act commemorates the lives of the free and enslaved workers who built Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie.

Each year, the park attracts around a million visitors. Many come to see where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. The new National Historical Park status has the potential to boost economic opportunities for the surrounding areas through increased tourism.

Rich Dorval, a Civil War history enthusiast began volunteering at Fort Sumter six years ago after retiring and moving to Daniel Island. Dorval hopes the national upgrade will draw more people to the historic location.

“National status will provide our local sites with greater visibility, prestige, and consequently attract more visitors to the parks,” Dorval said. “A shortcoming of the previous name was that many visitors, and I’ll bet many residents, didn’t realize that there are actually four separate sites to visit and explore. The previous name made no mention of the other visitation sites. Hopefully the new name will bring more visitors to Fort Moultrie,” added Dorval.

Fellow volunteer and Daniel Island resident David Wickwire also believes becoming a national park will increase visibility.

“With the new title, Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park has received a promotion of sorts. While most Americans have heard of Fort Sumter and know of its historical significance, not nearly as many are aware of the role that Fort Moultrie has played in U.S. military history going all the way back to the fight for independence.”

Wickwire has been volunteering for over two years and still finds the park an exciting place to work.

“As a volunteer I never grow tired of the boat ride out to Fort Sumter, where we almost always see bottlenose dolphins and pelicans, in addition to all the activity in the harbor,” he said.

Dorval also enjoys volunteering at the park and says it’s a must-see for Daniel Island residents. “Charleston is rich in American history with Forts Moultrie and Sumter among the highlights,” noted Dorval. “Great to share with your children, grandchildren, and company. It makes for a special day!”

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Ranger Tom Sobol, volunteer coordinator, at thomas_sobal@nps.gov.