Charleston in the Revolutionary War
During the American Revolutionary War, Charleston, South Carolina- known as Charles Town during this time- played a pivotal role regardless of the economic ties with the British Empire. Being one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the South, Charleston initially was cautious in their rebellion. However, in due time the citizens began protesting, forming a provincial government, and directed delegates to the Continental Congress. In 1776, Charleston achieved a major win in battle as they were successful against the British Navy at the Battle of Sullivan's Island. Because of this win by Charlestonians, it delayed British pressure for years for the southern region. In 1780, four years later, British forces prevailed and conquered Charleston, leading to one of the largest American surrenders. Two years later, the Patriots rallied and fought back against British control, leading to British desertion. These battles are crucial for not only Charleston's independence but for American independence against the British Empire.
Siege of Charleston, 1780
Departing New York with the British Navy and troops, Commander-in-Chief General Sir Henry Clinton departed for Charleston in December 1779.. His goal was to obtain the major city, and the ports that came with it. It was protected by American General Benjamin Lincoln at the time.
Come April, the British had arrived in Charleston strategically cutting off nearby harbors for American aid. Knowing he was outnumbered heavily, General Benjamin Lincoln had proposed a treaty with the British that was quickly denied.
By the middle of May, Charleston was in flames. British ships began firing cannons causing destruction to the city. Soon, General Lincoln surrendered. This is considered one of the largest defeats during the Revolutionary War with the loss of Charleston, and 5,000 Continental soldiers captured.
Sullivan's Island
British General Henry Clinton began his approach to Fort Sullivan outside of Charleston's main ports. In June 1776, his goal was to create a British stronghold in one of the south's most prominent cities. Guarded and protected by Colonel William Moultrie, his forces proved strong and powerful against the enemy. Using palmetto logs and sand, this prevented breaches from British gunfire and heavy weaponry. Moultrie and his men had succeeded for the time being. General Clinton and the Brits headed back out to sea, unsuccessful in their endeavor. The Patriots celebrated their victory in defending Charleston, while providing a low blow to the British. This boosted morale for the Patriots for upcoming battles.
Fort Moultrie
Originally named Fort Sullivan, Fort Moultrie holds a rich history of coastal defense against alien forces. Moultrie is famed for constructing the fort out of palmetto logs and sand to defend the famous Charleston harbor. Under command of Admiral Sir Peter Parker on June 28, 1776, British forces attempted an attack on Fort Moultrie but Colonel William Moultrie successfully defended their attack from the British Navy. The sand and palmetto logs would absorb the shock from the cannons of the Royal Navy as they surrounded the fort, opening fire. This victory by the Patriots is what earned the name of the fort. By 1780, the British siege of Charleston had begun and Benjamin Lincoln was tasked with defending the Charleston harbor but fell short to the British fleet led by commander Henry Clinton who sailed right past the fort into the harbor. After not finding terms to negotiate between the two commanders, Clinton rained fire on the city which forced Lincoln to ultimately surrender on May 12. Which resulted in the renaming of the fort to Fort Arbuthnot and lived on till the British surrender in October 1781. It is a widely known and historical landmark that stands still to this day in the Charleston harbor as Fort Moultrie.
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