Charleston, South Carolina, is one of America’s most historically significant cities — a place where cobblestone streets and seaside fortifications tell stories of centuries past. In Mappa Mundi, you can explore these rich narratives through detailed site information, interactive maps, and curated historical context.
Here are some of the most remarkable Charleston locations you can explore in the app:
⚔️ Fort Sumter – The Spark of the Civil War
Battle of Fort Sumter
On April 12, 1861, Confederate artillery opened fire on Fort Sumter, igniting the American Civil War. Located in Charleston Harbor, this sea fort is preserved as part of the Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. Mappa Mundi brings you closer to the details of the battle and its strategic importance.
🏰 Castle Pinckney – Harbor Sentinel
Castle Pinckney
Built in 1810, Castle Pinckney stands on Shutes’ Folly Island as one of the smallest masonry forts in the U.S. It briefly served as a Civil War prisoner-of-war camp. Today, it’s a striking reminder of Charleston’s harbor defenses.
🇺🇸 Battle of Sullivan’s Island – Revolutionary War Triumph
Battle of Sullivan’s Island
On June 28, 1776, Patriot forces defended Charleston against a British naval assault in one of the first major victories of the American Revolution. This battle cemented South Carolina’s place in early American independence.
🏛️ Fort Johnson – Colonial and Revolutionary Legacy
Fort Johnson
Strategically located on James Island, Fort Johnson played a role in both colonial defense and the Civil War. It’s best known as the site where the first shot of the Civil War was fired toward Fort Sumter.
💣 Fort Wagner – Heroism on Morris Island
First Battle of Fort Wagner
Famous for its fierce defense and later the valor of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry in the Second Battle, Fort Wagner guarded the southern approach to Charleston Harbor during the Civil War.
🏚️ Otranto Plantation Indigo Vats – A Rare Industrial Relic
Otranto Plantation Indigo Vats
These are the only known surviving indigo vats in South Carolina, offering a rare look into the colonial-era dye industry that was once central to the Lowcountry economy.
📜 Charleston Historic District – An Open-Air Museum
Charleston Historic District
Covering much of the city’s peninsula, the district is home to 18th and 19th-century architecture, historic churches, and storied homes. It was the first locally protected historic district in the United States.
Plan Your Charleston History Tour
Whether you’re interested in the Revolutionary War, Civil War defenses, or the city’s colonial heritage, Mappa Mundi’s Charleston coverage helps you explore each site in detail — complete with historical context, imagery, and location guidance.
Download Mappa Mundi today on the App Store to begin your journey through Charleston’s remarkable past.
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