The Underground Railroad in Charleston Harbor

A yellow star, with a white star and a silhouette of a person's face inside it. To the side are the words "National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom."
National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Logo.

NPS Photo

In 2023 and 2024, two of Charleston's NPS-run sites -- Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter -- were added to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. This designation honors the freedom seekers who escaped from slavery in Charleston Harbor, primarily during the American Civil War.

Before the Civil War, enslaved workers in Charleston were very far away from most paths to escape. However, the Civil War created new opportunities for freedom: if an enslaved worker made it to US Navy gunboats or US Army positions near the harbor, they could become free. Some of Charleston's hundreds of escapees are well known -- such as Robert Smalls, who sailed a Confederate vessel to freedom in 1862. Others did not gain fame, but secured a new life of freedom.

By honoring Charleston's escapees, we recognize their bravery -- and their role in bringing America closer to its founding promises.
 
  • The Planter, a small boat with a cannon at front and space for a paddlewheel at back.
    Escapes Past Fort Sumter

    Escapees during the Civil War often had to pass Fort Sumter to make it to freedom.

  • Written records of enslaved workers forced to be on Sullivan's Island during the Civil War.
    Escapes from Fort Moultrie

    Over 200 enslaved workers are recorded as escaping from Sullivan's Island during the Civil War.

  • Robert Smalls, a young, well-dressed black man, escaped from slavery in Charleston.
    Robert Smalls

    Robert Smalls' escape through Charleston Harbor was one of the most celebrated of the Civil War.

  • Jacob Stoyer, a black man wearing a jacket, shirt, and bow tie.
    Jacob Stroyer

    In Jacob Stroyer's primary account of life at Charleston's forts, he writes of an escape from Sullivan's Island. Learn his story here.

  • Two soldiers stand and sit on a furnace inside the ruined Fort Sumter.
    Daniel Castlebury

    To avoid returning to the hazardous Fort Sumter, one enslaved man resorted to hiding belowdecks on the ship bringing him there.

  • The interior of Fort Sumter, with men seated at a long table in the low center.
    Confederate Payroll Records

    The Confederacy forced enslaved workers to do hazardous work at Charleston's harbor forts. Some managed to escape.

Last updated: April 8, 2025

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