Charleston Harbor

Charleston Harbor has been a major hub for trade, military defence, and tourism for centuries. It is a natural harbour formed by the confluence of 3 rivers: Wando River to the North, Cooper River to the East and Ashley River to the West. Established as an important trading port in the 1600s, Charleston Harbor has played a role in a number of major events in American history. During the Colonial era, it connected American colonies to the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa. In 1776, during the Revolutionary War, Fort Moultrie (on Sullivan’s Island) successfully defended the city from a British naval attack, a key victory for the American forces. Then, in 1861, Fort Sumter is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired and the harbour became an important Confederate stronghold throughout the war.

It remains one of the busiest ports in the U.S. to this day, handling millions of tons of cargo each year. The harbour is home to dolphins, seabirds, and excellent fishing spots and is popular with tourists, who can embark upon scenic boat tours or visit important landmarks such as Fort Sumter or Patriot's Point.