Happy Carolina Day!

 

On June 28, 1776 on Sullivan’s Island in an unfinished fort made of beach sand and palmetto logs, a group of South Carolina volunteer soldiers led by Colonel William Moultrie defended the coast from Commodore Sir Peter Parker and nine warships.

Defeating what is now known as Fort Moultrie would have given the British control of the Port of Charleston, but in the nine hour battle, Moultrie and his soldiers defended the fort, retained control of the port, and turned back British forces seeking to occupy Charleston.

Today marks the 236th anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, and as the first decisive American victory over the British during the American Revolution, many South Carolinians view June 28 or Carolina Day as South Carolina’s “Independence Day.”

Happy Carolina Day from CRESCENT.

IMAGE CREDIT: James Peale’s oil on canvas “Sir Peter Parker’s Attack Against Fort Moultrie”