LIBERTY SQUARE

liberty square

A Beacon of History and Modernity

About
Liberty Square

Historical Significance of Liberty Square

Liberty Square in Charleston, South Carolina, holds historical significance as a site that connects visitors to key moments in American history. Located near Gadsden’s Wharf, once one of the largest slave ports in North America, the square acknowledges the city’s role in the transatlantic slave trade and its painful legacy. The Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center, located in Liberty Square, provides insight into the causes of the Civil War, with a particular focus on slavery and its impact on the nation. The square serves as one of the departure points for ferries to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired in 1861, symbolizing a pivotal moment in the struggle for liberty and union.

Additionally, Liberty Square’s name reflects Charleston’s historical role in the fight for American independence and freedom. While it celebrates ideals of liberty, the square’s location and educational exhibits also encourage reflection on the contradictions between those ideals and the realities of slavery and civil conflict. The nearby International African American Museum, which highlights the African American experience in Charleston and beyond, further enriches the historical context of Liberty Square, making it a significant site for both learning and contemplation about America’s complex past.

Location

340 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401

Hours

Open Everyday from 8:30am - 4:30pm.

Admission

Free access.

More Information

For more information, visit the National Park Service website or call (843) 883-3123

By visiting Liberty Square, you can explore the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center, where exhibits detail the causes of the Civil War and Charleston’s role in American history, before taking a ferry to Fort Sumter itself. The square also offers a chance to reflect on the city’s legacy of slavery at Gadsden’s Wharf, providing a deeper understanding of the struggle for freedom and equality in the United States.

With interactive exhibits and proximity to the International African American Museum, Liberty Square offers a comprehensive experience of Charleston’s cultural, political, and social impact on the nation.

Learn about Charleston’s rich heritage

Liberty Square in Downtown Charleston, South Carolina

Located near Gadsden’s Wharf, Liberty Square connects visitors to Charleston’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, providing insight into the history of enslaved Africans and their journey toward freedom.

Reflect on the legacy of slavery

Visit the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center and take a ferry to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, offering a deep dive into one of the most pivotal moments in American history.

Explore Civil War history

With engaging exhibits at the Fort Sumter Visitor Center and opportunities for education exploration, Liberty Square is a perfect destination for families looking to engage children in hands-on history and outdoor fun.

Family-friendly activities

Nestled along Charleston’s waterfront, Liberty Square offers stunning views of the harbor, making it a peaceful spot to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while reflecting on its historical significance.

Beautiful scenic location

Liberty Square serves as one of the departure points for ferries to Fort Sumter, where you can visit the historic site of the Civil War's opening battle and explore the fort’s well-preserved defenses.

Access to Fort Sumter

explore the timeline

1990s – Concept and Design of Liberty Square

In the early 1990s, the idea for Liberty Square was conceived as part of the redevelopment of Charleston’s waterfront area. The city sought to revitalize the Concord Street area near the historic Gadsden’s Wharf, a site tied to the transatlantic slave trade.
Liberty Square was designed to serve as a public space connecting visitors to Charleston’s rich history, including both its role in the American Revolution and the Civil War.
The square was named “Liberty Square” to reflect ideals of freedom and to honor Charleston's place in the country’s founding and historical struggles for liberty.

2001 – Opening of the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center

2001: The Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center opened at Liberty Square. The center serves as the primary departure point for visitors traveling by ferry to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired in 1861.
The visitor center includes exhibits on the causes of the Civil War, the history of Fort Sumter, and the experiences of enslaved people in Charleston, providing a deeper understanding of the complex history of the area.
Liberty Square became an educational hub, linking visitors to Fort Sumter and helping to tell the story of Charleston’s role in the Civil War.

Historical Context of Gadsden’s Wharf

The land on which Liberty Square sits was once part of Gadsden’s Wharf, a key entry point for enslaved Africans in the 18th and 19th centuries. Between 1783 and 1808, tens of thousands of enslaved people were brought to Charleston through this wharf, making it one of the largest slave ports in North America.
This history is acknowledged and commemorated within the exhibits at the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center at Liberty Square, tying the location to the legacy of slavery and the fight for freedom in the United States.

2011 – 150th Anniversary of the Civil War

In 2011, Liberty Square played a central role in Charleston’s commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Events were held in and around the square to mark this significant historical milestone, with many visitors passing through on their way to Fort Sumter.
The square became a focal point for discussions on the causes and legacies of the war, particularly related to slavery and civil rights.

2014 – African American History and the International African American Museum

In 2014, plans were announced to build the International African American Museum (IAAM) on a nearby portion of Gadsden’s Wharf. Although the museum site is not directly in Liberty Square, the proximity of both locations creates a powerful historical narrative.
The IAAM (opened in 2023) enhances the historical significance of the area by educating visitors about the transatlantic slave trade and the African American experience in Charleston, linking the story of liberty with the struggle for freedom and equality.

Present Day

Today, Liberty Square is a gateway for both locals and tourists to explore Charleston’s layered history. Its role as the entrance point to Fort Sumter and its historical connection to Gadsden’s Wharf make it a critical location for understanding Charleston’s role in the founding of the United States and its involvement in slavery.
Visitors to Liberty Square can enjoy the public space, reflecting on the concepts of liberty and freedom while learning about the city's complex past through the Fort Sumter Visitor Center and nearby historical sites.