FORT MOULTRIE

1776 – Revolutionary War

Construction and Battle of Sullivan's Island:

Built primarily of palmetto logs and sand, the original fort (then unnamed) was hastily constructed to protect Charleston from British invasion.
June 28, 1776: The incomplete fort, under the command of Colonel William Moultrie, successfully repelled a British naval assault during the Battle of Sullivan's Island. The spongy palmetto logs and many feet of sand resisted the British cannonball without creating deadly splinters.
After the battle, the fort was named Fort Moultrie in honor of Colonel Moultrie.

Civil War Era (1860–1865)

1860: Fort Moultrie played a crucial role at the onset of the Civil War. Major Robert Anderson evacuated his garrison from Fort Moultrie to the stronger Fort Sumter, marking the beginning of tensions that led to the war.
After Anderson's departure, South Carolina forces took control of Fort Moultrie, using it to bombard Fort Sumter in April 1861, which marked the beginning of the Civil War.
During the war, Confederate engineers converted the fort into a strong earthwork with detached batteries along the length of Sullivan’s Island.

Exterior view of Fort Moultrie, South Carolina_1891

Late 1800s – Post-Civil War

After the Civil War, Fort Moultrie, like many coastal forts, became largely obsolete due to advancements in naval warfare and artillery.
A number of Fort Moultrie’s bricks were used to construct the nearby Stella Maris Church
In 1870 under Maj. Quincy Gillmore of the Corps of Engineers, Fort Moultrie was extensively rebuilt along its original lines and re-armed. The present sallyport and interior magazines date from this period. Some of the bricks were recovered from Fort Ripley in Charleston Harbor.

First airplane to land at Fort Moultrie, Charleston, South Carolina, circa 1910

1898 – Spanish-American War

Fort Moultrie was modernized and expanded under the Endicott Program, a national defense initiative to improve coastal defenses. Battery Jasper, the large black structure to the east of the old fort was constructed and large-caliber artillery was mounted. The appearance of the fort changed dramatically during this time, with new technology and reinforced defenses making it a more modern military installation. The fort was equipped with underwater mine storage and deployment facilities. To protect the minefields several rapid fire concrete batteries were constructed in the old fort.

Present Day

Today, Fort Moultrie is an important educational and historical site. The fort has been restored to reflect various time periods in its history, showcasing its transformation from a Revolutionary War-era fort to its modern World War II appearance. Visitors can tour the fort and see exhibits detailing its role in defending Charleston and the country across different wars and eras.
Appearance: The fort features original brick walls from the 1809 reconstruction, as well as concrete bunkers and gun batteries from the Endicott era and World War II updates, representing over two centuries of military evolution.

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FORT MOULTRIE

A Historic Coastal Defense Site

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Fort Moultrie

10 Facts About Fort Moultrie

Historical Significance of Fort Moultrie

Fort Moultrie is one of America’s most historic fortifications. Initially constructed in 1776 to protect Charleston from British invasion, the fort was named after Colonel William Moultrie, who led the successful defense against the British fleet on June 28, 1776. This victory was pivotal in the American Revolutionary War, and the palmetto-log fort became a symbol of resilience and bravery.

Throughout its history, Fort Moultrie underwent multiple reconstructions and upgrades, adapting to the evolving needs of coastal defense. The fort’s long service history includes roles in the War of 1812, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II, making it a unique site to explore various periods of American military history.

Join knowledgeable park rangers and NPS Volunteers for guided tours that provide in- depth insights into the fort’s history and its role in American coastal defense.

Ranger-Led Tours

The visitor center features exhibits that cover the fort’s extensive history, including artifacts, maps, and interactive displays. Enjoy a short film about Fort Moultrie

Interpretive Exhibits

Fort Moultrie on Sullivans Island, South Carolina

Explore the fort’s different structures, from the original Revolutionary War fort to later modifications for 20th-century conflicts.

Historic Fortifications

Learn about over 170 years of coastal defense, from wooden palmetto logs to concrete bunkers.

Rich Military History

Interactive displays and expansive grounds make Fort Moultrie a great destination for visitors of all ages.

Family-Friendly

Enjoy panoramic views of Charleston Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean from the fort’s ramparts.

Scenic Views

Location

Fort Moultrie, 1214 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina

Hours

Open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day)

Admission

$10 for adults and no charge for children under 16. National Park Passes and Fort Moultrie Park Passes sold and honored here.

More Information

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

discover family-friendly things to do at fort moultrie

Discover Fort Moultrie’s fascinating military past, spanning from the Revolutionary War through World War II. Each section of the fort is dedicated to a specific era, illustrating the evolution of coastal defense.
Before you leave, stop by the Visitor Center Gift Shop for a variety of souvenirs. Browse through a curated selection of history books, unique toys, apparel, keychains, and collectible items. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a memento or a gift that captures the spirit of Fort Moultrie’s rich history!
Enjoy a day of fishing in designated areas near Fort Moultrie. For just $10, you can cast your line and try your luck in the waters surrounding the fort, which are teeming with local fish species.
Pack a lunch and relax at Fort Moultrie’s scenic picnic area. With tables shaded by trees and views of the fort and Sullivan’s Island, it’s a serene spot for a mid-day break.
Take a leisurely walk along the sandy shores of Sullivan’s Island, just steps away from Fort Moultrie. Enjoy the salty breeze and beautiful vistas of the Atlantic Ocean.
Pause for reflection at Toni Morrison’s “Bench by the Road,” a memorial dedicated to the memory of African American history on Sullivan’s Island near Fort Moulti. It’s a peaceful spot to honor the past.
After your visit, indulge in local flavors at one of the charming restaurants on Sullivan’s Island. From seafood shacks to elegant bistros, there’s a dining option for every palate.
Take some time to wander the quaint shops of Sullivan’s Island. From unique boutiques to souvenir stores, you’ll find plenty of ways to commemorate your visit.
Let the little ones burn off some energy at Stith Playground, located on Middle Street. This small, family-friendly park is perfect for a fun-filled afternoon.
Take your Fort Moultrie experience up a notch by joining Vermont Bike Tours. They use Fort Moultrie as a meeting point along their scenic trail from downtown Charleston. Ride through history and explore the fort and surrounding areas on a guided tour—choose a traditional bike or go further with an e-bike for an effortless adventure!
Walk through Thomson Park and enjoy the views where Revolutionary War soldiers defended the Sullivan’s Island side of the inlet during the battle.
Head inside the Fort Moultrie Visitor Center to watch a short film detailing the fort’s history and its role in defending the Carolina coast. It’s an engaging way to dive deeper into the stories behind the fort.