A common nickname for Fort Sumter was The Star Fort.

Fort Sumter, often called "The Star Fort," earned this nickname because of its unique star-shaped design, characteristic of military fortifications of that period. Built-in the early 19th century to safeguard Charleston Harbor, the fort's architecture included bastions and angled walls, which improved its defenses against naval assaults. This star-shaped configuration not only offered strategic benefits but also became emblematic of military architecture during the Civil War. As the location of the initial clash between Union and Confederate forces, Fort Sumter's nickname highlights both its distinctive structure and its important role in American history.