Fort Moultrie

While in Charleston, my American Revolution travel class had the opportunity to tour Fort Moultrie, situated on Sullivan’s Island at the mouth of Charleston Harbor. Established at this strategic location in 1776, Fort Moultrie has played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War I and World War II. Though decommissioned in 1947, the fort has much to tell visitors about the past and our nations history.

The Revolutionary era fort was built only six months before the British attacked on June 28, 1776. The Patriots constructed the fort out of palmetto logs and sand. This design proved to be extremely beneficial during the battle against the British, as the logs and sand absorbed many of the projectiles shot from the British ships. Commodore Sir Peter Parker and the British fleet were not expecting the nine and half hour battle that ensued upon their arrival. Colonel William Moultrie led his troops in a great defense of Charleston harbor. With an incomplete fort and only 31 cannons, this unlikely victory for the Patriots proved to be a decisive win for the Patriots early on in the Revolution. Had the British captured Charleston, they would have had an early and strong foothold in the South.

After winning this pivotal battle, Colonel William Moultrie was promoted to brigadier general and the fort was named in his honor. Additionally to commemorate this victory, South Carolina has a palmetto tree on its flag representing the palmetto log fort. 

William Moultrie's grave. 

After reading Crescent Moon over Carolina: William Moultrie and American Liberty by C.L. Bragg and learning about this battle, it was very helpful to physically see the geography and where the Fort was positioned. After walking through the visitor center’s display chronicling the history of Fort Moultrie and standing in the fort looking out over the harbor, I was able to clearly see why this fort played an important role in not only the American Revolution, but also many others in American history.