Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Night Attack

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 3, 2010

1. Night Attack Marker

Inscription. This corner of the fort was the site of the only attempt by Union forces to storm Fort Sumter during the Civil War.

On the night of September 8, 1863, a Union tugboat towed 500 sailors and marines in small boats to within 400 yards of Fort Sumter, then cast them loose to assault the fort. But the Confederates expected the attack. As the leading boats landed, the defenders opened fire, hurling grenades and bricks down upon the assailants. Guns of Fort Moultrie and the Confederate gunboat Chicora opened fire. The remaining boats retreated and 124 Union men stranded here were killed, wounded, or captured.

For the next sixteen months, Union forces continued to bombard Fort Sumter, but never attempted another landing.

Erected by Fort Sumter National Monument, South Carolina - National Park Service - U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is September 8, 1861.

Location. 32° 45.114′ N, 79° 52.459′ W. Marker is in Charleston, South Carolina, in Charleston County. Marker is located at Fort Sumter National Monument and only reached by boat. See links below for more information about access to the site. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Charleston SC 29412, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other

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markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mountain Howitzer (here, next to this marker); Star of the West (a few steps from this marker); Ironclads Attack (within shouting distance of this marker); Swamp Angel (within shouting distance of this marker); Blockade Runners (within shouting distance of this marker); Major Robert Anderson (within shouting distance of this marker); Morris Island (within shouting distance of this marker); 8-inch (200 Pounder) Parrott (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charleston.

More about this marker. The background of the marker is a contemporary sketch depicting the assault.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2013

2. Night Attack Marker

Markers on the Southern Corner of Fort Sumter image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 3, 2010

3. Markers on the Southern Corner of Fort Sumter

Exterior of Fort Sumter image. Click for more information.

4. Exterior of Fort Sumter

This photo, taken just after the fort's evacuation by Confederates in 1865, shows the debris and obstacles which confronted the landing party.
Click for more information.

Outside of Fort Sumter image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 3, 2010

5. Outside of Fort Sumter

Looking over the wall of Fort Sumter today. The wall of the fort, reconstructed after the war, rests upon a foundation which is covered at high tide. Debris, such as the pipes seen here, cover the foundation.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 15, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,038 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 15, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on August 4, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3, 4. submitted on May 15, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5. submitted on May 16, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.