Fort Moultrie (Charleston)

The first fortification at this site was built in the late 18th century as a temporary structure of sand walls and palmetto logs. In June 1776, it withstood a nine-hour artillery attack by British warships, as the sand walls absorbed the projectiles and the palmetto logs deflected them. The facility was later named after its commander, Colonel William Moultrie. After its capture by the British in 1780 and their subsequent withdrawal, the fort fell into disrepair. A second Fort Moultrie was constructed in the late 18th century, but it also deteriorated and was destroyed by a hurricane in 1804. The third and currently visible Fort Moultrie was built starting in 1807 using brick construction and was completed in 1809. It served as a prison during the Second Seminole War, where Chief Osceola, among others, was incarcerated. In December 1860, following South Carolina's secession from the Union, the fort was evacuated by Union troops. During the American Civil War, Confederate forces opened fire on Fort Sumter from this location. Later, the fort was shelled for 20 months by Union troops and evacuated by the Confederates in 1865. After the Civil War, it was rebuilt and modernized, with underground magazines and reinforced earthen walls. In the late 19th century, it received concrete and steel reinforcements and additional batteries. Fort Moultrie was militarily occupied during both World Wars and served in World War II to protect Charleston Harbor from German U-boats. In 1947, it was decommissioned and in 1960, it was transferred to the federal government as a memorial.

Fort Moultrie is located in Charleston, in Charleston County, South Carolina, USA, at an elevation of approximately 5 m above sea level.

Today, the fort is a memorial and museum managed by the National Park Service. It has been restored to allow visitors to trace all historical phases of the coastal fortification. The visitor center features an exhibition on the history of Sullivan's Island and its role in the slave trade. The facility is accessible to visitors.

• Fort Sumter (fortress), approx. 1.8 km away
• Fort Pulaski (fortress), approx. 126.6 km away
• Fort James Jackson (fortress), approx. 133.9 km away
• Fort King George (fortress), approx. 213.5 km away