Thomas Sumter the "Fighting Gamecocks." Since 1903 the college's teams have been simply known as the "Gamecocks." Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, a fort planned after the War of 1812, was named for him. The fort is best known as the site upon which the shots initiating the American Civil War were fired, at the Battle of Fort Sumter. Counties in South Carolina, Florida, Georgia and Alabama are named for him. Thomas Sumter Thomas Sumter (August 14, 1734 – June 1, 1832) was a soldier in the Colony of Virginia militia; a brigadier general in the South Carolina militia during the American
Fort Sumter National Monument at 11:00 am and 2:30 pm, based on staff availability. The center offers an orientation film and museum exhibits about American seacoast defenses from 1809-1947, and the history of the first two forts. There is an information desk staffed by NPS Rangers, a book / souvenir store and bathrooms. Charleston Light is not open to the public but can be viewed from its surroundings grounds, which also allow beach access. Fort Sumter National Monument Fort Sumter National Monument is a United States National Monument located in Charleston County, in coastal South Carolina. It mainly protects Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, the