Battle of Sullivan's Island, 1776 Postcard

The Battle of Sullivan's Island, fought on June 28, 1776, was a critical engagement early in the American Revolutionary War. It took place near Charleston, South Carolina, where a well-fortified American garrison, under the command of Colonel William Moultrie, defended Sullivan's Island against a British naval and amphibious assault led by General Sir Henry Clinton and Commodore Sir Peter Parker. The American forces, aided by the natural defences of the island and a hastily constructed fort made of palmetto logs, put up a determined resistance. The soft palmetto wood absorbed the impact of cannonballs, frustrating the British artillery. After a day of heavy bombardment and fierce fighting, the British withdrew, unable to capture the fort and suffering significant casualties. The American victory at Sullivan's Island was a morale booster for the patriot cause and demonstrated the effectiveness of local militia in defending against British forces early in the war. The Battle of Sullivan's Island is notable for several reasons. It helped protect the crucial port city of Charleston from immediate capture and delayed British attempts to control the Southern colonies. The successful defence of the fort on Sullivan's Island also inspired the adoption of the iconic "Moultrie Flag," featuring a blue field with a white crescent, which later became an essential part of the South Carolina state flag. The battle was a significant early American victory in the Revolutionary War, showcasing the determination and resourcefulness of American forces, even when faced with a superior enemy.