Sullivans Island in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
From Military Base to National Park
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 24, 2017
1. From Military Base to National Park Marker
In 1947, Fort Moultrie Military Reservation was closed as static seacoast defensive positions became obsolete. While Fort Sumter became a National Monument in 1948, Fort Moultrie and the rest of the reservation was divided up and either transferred to state and local governments or sold in lots to the public.
Following the military's departure, the Town of Sullivan's Island prospered into the coastal island community you visit today. Fort Moultrie, on the other hand, was relatively forgotten and abandoned.
In 1960, the state of South Carolina transferred Fort Moultrie to the National Park Service as a unit of Fort Sumter National Monument. The site was initially opened as a National Park unit on April 1, 1963. Ten years later the fort went through a major restoration project in conjunction with the Bicentennial of the American Revolution.
On June 28, 1976, Fort Moultrie officially reopened to the public, with the addition of a visitor center across the street.
The National Park Service's mission is to preserve and protect unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.
For More Information: Visit our
this page online
Erected by National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles.
Location. 32° 45.588′ N, 79° 51.416′ W. Marker is on Sullivans Island, South Carolina, in Charleston County. Marker is at the intersection of Middle Street and Palmetto Street, on the left when traveling west on Middle Street. This marker is located on the front grounds of the fort, near the southwest corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. Harbor Vigilance (within shouting distance of this marker); Harbor Defense 1898-1939 (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of Fort Sullivan (within shouting distance of this marker); Station Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); Oceola / Patapsco Dead (within shouting distance of this marker); CS H.L. Hunley (within shouting distance of this marker); Defending Charleston (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); This is Sullivan's Island (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sullivans Island.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 24, 2017
2. From Military Base to National Park Marker
View of a display from the marker showing a color coded map of the Fort Moultrie Military Reservation from 1895 to 1947.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 24, 2017
3. From Military Base to National Park Marker
View of a display from the marker showing four 1958 photographs of Fort Moultrie that showed its abandoned and forgotten state.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 24, 2017
4. From Military Base to National Park Marker
View of a display from the marker showing a 1983 aerial view of Fort Moultrie and the Visitor Center.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 24, 2017
5. From Military Base to National Park Marker
View of the marker looking north along Palmetto Street.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 24, 2017
6. From Military Base to National Park Marker
View of the marker looking east along Middle Street.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 24, 2017
7. From Military Base to National Park Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 20, 2017, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 267 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on September 20, 2017, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.
