For years, Charleston has been a regular candidate on numerous “best of” lists, drawing visitors with its family-friendly attractions, delicious Southern cuisine, and more than enough history to keep even the most dedicated historians happy. This city perched along South Carolina’s coast has always been an important part of U.S. military history, seeing action throughout the American Revolution, the American Civil War, and both World Wars. While Fort Sumter gets the most attention, known for being where the Civil War began, the overlooked Fort Moultrie has just as fascinating a past, and together they make up Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park.
Located on Sullivan’s Island, the roughly 3.5-mile-long sandy island overlooking both Charleston Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean, has seen three forts come and go since its beginnings as a Palmetto palm tree log and sand fort. It wasn’t yet complete when, under the command of Colonel William Moultrie, it held off a British naval attack in 1776. Not to be defeated, the Brits returned and finally captured Fort Moultrie and Charleston in 1780, after which the fort fell into disrepair. Fort number two was completed in 1798 but didn’t last long, being wiped out by a hurricane six years later.
The brick fort that remains was abandoned just before the Civil War but later modernized to defend against attacks from submarines and aircraft during both World Wars. Like many coastal forts, Fort Moultrie became obsolete as nuclear weapons changed the country’s defense system. Operations finally came to an end in 1947, but it has since been lovingly restored, with museum displays showing a fascinating look back over some of the most important periods in American history. Fort Moultrie is around a 20-minute drive from Charleston by way of the Ben Sawyer Bridge, which connects the mainland to Sullivan’s Island. Charleston International Airport is also just outside of the city.
Exploring Fort Moultrie
You don’t have to be a big history fan to be impressed by a visit to Fort Moultrie. The location itself is enough to delight with views over Charleston Harbor and the marshland habitat of the Intracoastal Waterway between Sullivan’s Island and the mainland, particularly scenic if you time your visit at sunset. That said, a stop by the visitor center should be the first port of call to get you fired up for what’s to come…