Fort Moultrie

SULLIVAN'S ISLAND. Although it fell into disuse more than once, Fort Moultrie has a lengthy history of coastal defense. The original structure was built in the 1770s, but it was abandoned by the British when they captured Charleston in 1780. The second structure at the site was destroyed by a hurricane in 1804. The current fort was built in 1809, with a few modernizations along the way. Part of a chain of forts designed to protect the South Carolina shore from various invaders, Moultrie eventually grew to encompass most of Sullivan's Island, and is today part of the Fort Sumter National Monument. The Visitor Education Center, at Liberty Square, has detailed historical information about both forts.