South Carolina Celebrates Carolina Day and Revolutionary War Victory

Today, South Carolina is observing Carolina Day, commemorating the state’s decisive victory at the Battle of Sullivan’s Island on June 28, 1776, a pivotal moment in the early days of the American Revolution.

The battle took place near present-day Charleston when a small force of South Carolina patriots successfully defended Sullivan’s Island against a powerful British naval attack. The victory prevented British forces from capturing Charleston and delayed another major attempt to seize the city for nearly four years.

Led by Col. William Moultrie, the defenders used a fort constructed primarily of palmetto logs and sand. The soft palmetto wood absorbed British cannon fire rather than splintering, helping the fort withstand hours of bombardment. The fort was later renamed Fort Moultrie in honor of its commander.

The battle also inspired one of South Carolina’s most recognizable symbols. During the fighting, Sgt. William Jasper bravely recovered the state flag after it was shot down, raising it again under heavy fire and boosting the morale of the defenders. The blue flag with its white crescent later became the foundation for South Carolina’s modern state flag.