Fort Moultrie National Monument

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fort Moultrie National Monument is a historic site located on Sullivan's Island in South Carolina.


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Summary

It is named after the Revolutionary War hero, Colonel William Moultrie, who built the original fort in 1776 to protect Charleston from British attack.

There are several good reasons to visit Fort Moultrie National Monument. Firstly, it is a great place to learn about American history and the role the fort played in defending the nation. Visitors can explore the fort and its exhibits, which include artifacts from the Civil War, World War I and World War II.

Some specific points of interest to see at Fort Moultrie National Monument include the Powder Magazine, the Parade Grounds, and the Sullivan's Island Lighthouse. The Powder Magazine is an underground storage space that was used to store gunpowder during the Revolutionary War. The Parade Grounds were used for military drills and ceremonies, while the Sullivan's Island Lighthouse has been in operation since 1962.

Interesting facts about the area include that Fort Moultrie was one of the first forts built to defend the United States, and it played a significant role in the Civil War. The fort was also used during World War I and World War II, and it was decommissioned in 1947.

The best time of year to visit Fort Moultrie National Monument is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be cold and windy. Visitors can also check the monument's website for special events and programs that take place throughout the year.

Overall, Fort Moultrie National Monument is an important historical site that offers visitors the opportunity to learn about American history and the role of the fort in defending the nation.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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