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Living historians fire muskets during a historic weapons demonstration at Fort Moultrie for the anniversary of the first shot of the Civil War.
NPS Photo/ S. Elcock
1861: The Year That Changed America
Saturday April 11, 2026
The first shots of the American Civil War, fired in Charleston Harbor on April 12, 1861, began the deadliest and most important war in American history. Soldiers and civilians on each side of the conflict had many differences, but would have their lives shaped by the losses, traumas, and opportunities caused by the war.
This event will be a fee-free day. Regular site fees resume on Sunday, April 12. Living historians in period clothing will portray soldiers and civilians to help provide visitors the opportunity to learn about the Civil War. All events will take place at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island.
Schedule of Events
All ranger talks and historic weapons demonstrations will take place behind Fort Moultrie.
10:00 AM: The US Soldier in Charleston Harbor
11:00 AM: Musket Demonstration with United States Army soldiers
12:00 PM: Secession and the March to War
1:00 PM: Musket Demonstration with Confederate States Army soldiers
2:00 PM: Why Fort Sumter Mattered
3:00 PM: Musket Demonstration with both US and CS Army soldiers
History Row
Junior Ranger Scavenger Hunt: Earn your Fort Sumter Junior Ranger badge!
Historic Games: Learn about and try some of the games that children in the 1860s played
Make Your Own Cartridge: Learn how soldiers would have rolled and filled their cartridges for their muskets.
Make A Sachet: Learn how people in the 1860s kept their clothes smelling good even when they weren't washed often. Choose from a variety of scents to make your own sachet.
Construction/Timeline: Learn how Fort Sumter was built and the timeline of events leading up to the first shots of the Civil War.
Equipment/Uniforms: Learn what a Civil War soldier wore and common items that they might have carried with them.
Visit the soldiers' encampment and ask them questions. Learn about other National Park sites.
A revolutionary war car sits on a grassy area with a blue sky in the background
NPS/B.Marcum
Carolina Day 250: June 27-28, 2026
This event is fee-free. No site fees will apply during this event.
Events run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated.
Historic Weapons Demonstrations
Join living historians for a historic weapons demonstration.
Presentations by Park Rangers and Living Historians
Join a park ranger or living historian to learn more about the Battle of Sullivan's Island.
History Row
Walk up ranger and historical stations provide hands-on activities for visitors of all ages!
Celebrate America’s Story” for National Park Week 2026! As celebrations continue throughout 2026 for the 250th anniversary of American independence, let’s take a week to celebrate some of our greatest national treasures—our parks—together.
National Park Week 2026 will include the traditional Junior Ranger Day and an entrance fee free day on Aug. 25 for the NPS’s 110th birthday.
National Park Week schedule: Please check back soon for a schedule of events!
A park ranger speaks with a group during an off-site program
NPS photo
Park Talks
Park rangers will present talks on a variety of topics. Library talk schedule:
February 21st at 11:00 a.m. The Rise of William Moultrie
As we draw closer to the 250th anniversary of American independence, come learn about the definitive actions of Colonel William Moultrie and his valiant efforts to save Charleston from British occupation in the early years of the American Revolution.
Wando Library in Mt. Pleasant, 1400 Carolina Park Blvd
March 7 at 11:00 a.m.The Siege of Charleston 1780
Join us for an informative talk on the 1780 Siege of Charleston, a decisive British victory that resulted in the largest American surrender of the Revolutionary War. Learn how this event gave the British control over the South's most vital port and altered the course of the war in the southern colonies.
Wando Library in Mt. Pleasant, 1400 Carolina Park Blvd
May 28 at 3:00 p.m. Flags of the American Revolution
From inspiration by Benjamin Franklin, to Moultrie's regimental flag, to the first stars and stripes, come learn how these revolutionary flags helped unite us, inspire us, and create the United States.
Charleston Library in downtown Charleston, 68 Calhoun Street
June 14 at 3:00 p.m. Charleston's Parallel Revolution
Why did the colonists rebel against the king? Thankfully, they wrote their grievances out for us. Join us to learn how South Carolina's reasons for revolt developed into revolution.
Charleston Library in downtown Charleston, 68 Calhoun Street Additional talks will take place over the course of year, please check back for additional talks added to the schedule.
