At the time of writing this post, it is befitting that I say prayers of support for all people in the vicinity of Fort Moultrie. I say this because Hurricane Florence made landfall in this area and there is flooding and at least 8 deaths, if not more.
Knowing the devastation that hurricanes bring as we survived Hurricane Maria, I know that people in the Carolina’s need our support and prayers.
Fort Moultrie is located in South Carolina and is one of the older forts in United States history.
Today, I am going to give you the top 10 cool facts about Fort Moultrie. But first, check out this video…
#1: Location
Fort Moultrie is on Sullivan’s Island which is part of the Charleston, South Carolina metro area.
#2: The First Fort
Originally, Fort Moultrie was called Fort Sullivan. It was the first fort built to protect Charleston at the mouth of Charleston harbor.
Colonel William Moultrie was dispatched to the location with troops and in 1776, British ships attacked the Fort which was not completely constructed. Moultrie and troops defended the harbor and sent the British packing. After that, the Fort was renamed Moultrie.
#3: Seminole Prison
Florida was in a chaotic state. The Seminole Indians would not follow laws and in the early 1800’s, there was a war against the Seminoles. Many Seminole leaders were imprisoned at Fort Moultrie. That included the great Seminole Chief, Osceola.
Osceola died at Fort Moultrie and he was entombed near the front gate of the Fort.
#4: Slave Entrance
It is estimated that over 40% of African slaves first stepped foot on American soil in Charleston as they were quarantined at Fort Moultrie until sold to slave owners.
#5: During The Civil War
Union forces controlled all the Forts around Charleston Harbor when the Civil War began. South Carolina joined the Confederacy and Union forces had to figure out which would be the better stand for defense.
Major Robert Anderson made the decision to abandon Fort Moultrie and decided to make their stand at Fort Sumter. In the end, all the Charleston Forts were handed to the Confederates.
Other posts you may enjoy:
- Battle Of Fort Sumter: Top 10 Cool Facts
- The Top 10 Most Important Battles in the Revolutionary War
- General John Fremont: Top 10 Cool Facts
- Top 10 Civil War Battles
#6: How The Fort Stood The 1776 Attacks
While many other defenses were being destroyed by British cannonballs, the British were perplexed at to why the ammo did not destroy Fort Moultrie.
The reason was, Palmetto trees. The Fort was built using Palmetto logs that were soft but strong. They were like rubber and the cannonballs just bounced off.
#7: Rebuilt
While the Palmetto logs held off the British, they began to rot. Fort Moultrie fell into neglect but in 1809, the Fort was rebuilt using brick.
#8: World War 2 Defense Location
Fort Moultrie was manned during World War 2 with guns and service members to protect the coast from German U-Boat attacks.
#9: Fort Moultrie Is Decommissioned
The year was 1960. The Department of Defense decommissioned Fort Moultrie and the site was transferred to the National Park Service.
It has become a wonderful preservation of military history from the original Palmetto design on up to World War 2.
#10: Edgar Allen Poe
The great writer, Edgar Allen Poe had enlisted in the Army for 5 years. In 1828, he was assigned to Fort Moultrie.
I have always been moved by Poe’s writings and this is one of my favorites.
Final Thoughts
Fort Moultrie has some amazing history behind it.
I highly recommend that you take a chance to visit this Fort once hurricane cleanup is done.
Is there anything you would like to add??? Questions???
Just post any and all below.
Thank you.
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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