Fort Moultrie
The first Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island, constructed of palmetto logs and sand, was built in the 1770’s. This fort saved Charlestown from British occupation and was named in honor of its commander Colonel William Moultrie. Four years later, the British captured Charlestown and Fort Moultrie.
In 1793, war broke out between Great Britain and France. The Congress, seeking to safeguard American shores, authorized a second Fort Moultrie to be built. This fort suffered from neglect and was later destroyed by a hurricane in 1804.
A third Fort Moultrie was built on Sullivan’s Island in 1809. From the time it was built until 1860, the fort changed very little. On April 12, 1861, the American Civil War began, and Fort Moultrie was severely damaged during the war.
Once the war ended, the fort was repaired and modernized, but later became obsolete as nuclear weapons and guided missiles started being used. In 1960, the fort was decommissioned and became part of the National Park Service.
The fort has a visitors center that shows a short film and features a small museum detailing Moultrie's history. For a small fee, you can then tour the fort itself, as five different sections of Moultrie are preserved to look as they did in five different historical eras. Fort Moultrie is not as popular as Fort Sumter, so you will not have to deal with the large crowds.
Fort Moultrie Photos
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Fort Moultrie Hours and Admission
Hours:
Open Daily 9 am - 5 pm
Closed New Year's, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days
Admission:
Adults (16 and older) $10
Child (15 and younger) Free
Fort Moultrie Address and Map
Fort Moultrie
1214 Middle St
Sullivan's Island SC 29482
(843) 883-3123
Fort Moultrie Website
Current and Upcoming Events at Fort Moultrie
2023 Entrance Fee Free Days for Fort Moultrie
- Monday, January 16 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Saturday, April 22 - First Day of National Park Week
- Saturday, June 24 - Battle of Sullivan's Island Commemoration*
- Thursday, August 4 - Great American Outdoors Act Signing Day
- Saturday, September 23 - National Public Lands Day
- Friday, November 11 - Veterans Day
Hotels Near Fort Moultrie
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