Rehabilitate Fort Sumter Breakwater

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park » Rehabilitate Fort Sumter Breakwater » Document List

Fort Sumter National Monument is an island fort situated at the entrance of the Charleston Harbor. The fort is a five-sided, three-tiered masonry structure that was designed for an armament of 135 guns and garrison of 650 men.

Currently, a riprap shoreline surrounds approximately three quarters of the fort. Fort Sumter is currently subject to high wave energy striking the brick walls of the fort, causing erosion to the structure and mortar on the wall. Where the riprap touches the brick wall, erosion has resulted in a wavy wall and curving of bricks. On portions of the fort where there is no riprap, high wave action has resulted in areas of failing brickwork. The purpose of this project is to further protect Fort Sumter from erosion and structural damage and to preserve the structure for future generations.