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Sullivans Island in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
 

Defending Charleston

1776-1947

 
 
Defending Charleston Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, February 19, 2010
1. Defending Charleston Marker
Inscription.
From this observation deck the strategic value of Fort Moultrie becomes clear. Charleston Harbor's main ship channel—the only deep water access to the port—passes directly in front of the fort. Ships entering the harbor had to pass close under the fire of Fort Moultrie's guns. From the time of the American Revolution through World War II, the fort's position on the south end of Sullivan's Island was the key to defending Charleston.

Today Fort Moultrie preserves the story of evolution of American coastal defense. Almost all of America's wars between the Revolution and World War II—and peacetimes in between—have left their mark here. Many remnants of those times can be seen in the fort today. A walk through Fort Moultrie is a walk through time.

(captions)
(bottom) A Civil War view from Fort Moultrie, November 18, 1863, Confederates held the fort. Union blockade ships and ironclad gunboats kept their distance. Fort Sumter, in the harbor to the right, was partially crumbled from Union bombardment. Compare this wartime scene painted by Conrad Wise Chapman to your view today.

(upper right) This map depicts Charleston Harbor during the Civil War. Note Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter. Enemy ships entering Charleston Harbor faced a gauntlet of deadly crossfire between Moultire
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and Sumter. These forts, combined with other forts and batteries ringing the harbor, made Charleston an unconquerable Confederate stronghold during the Civil War.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and CastlesWar, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is November 18, 1866.
 
Location. 32° 45.616′ N, 79° 51.457′ W. Marker is on Sullivans Island, South Carolina, in Charleston County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Middle Street and Osceola Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located atop Fort Moultrie Visitors Center. Take the stairs to the Observation Deck on the roof of the visitors center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1214 Middle Street, Sullivans Island SC 29482, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Station Hospital (a few steps from this marker); Fort Moultrie Torpedo Storehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Grave of General William Moultrie (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Moultrie Torpedo Storehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Fort Sumter - Fort Sumter Today (within shouting distance of this marker); Oceola / Patapsco Dead (within shouting distance of this marker); Northwest Bastionet
Defending Charleston Map image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, February 19, 2010
2. Defending Charleston Map
(within shouting distance of this marker); From Military Base to National Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sullivans Island.
 
Also see . . .  Fort Moultrie. Fort Sumter National Monument (Submitted on August 11, 2015.) 
 
Defending Charleston Marker Illustration image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, February 19, 2010
3. Defending Charleston Marker Illustration
Defending Charleston Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, February 19, 2010
4. Defending Charleston Marker
Observation Deck image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, February 19, 2010
5. Observation Deck
From the marker (yellow arrow) Fort Sumter can be seen in Charleston Harbor.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 345 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 11, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.

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Mar. 19, 2024