Though I usually concentrate on just the Beaufort District side of history, the "Carolina Day" lecture is held in honor of the first decisive American victory of the Revolutionary War on a date that many native South Carolinians consider our state's Independence day. It is significant - to us proud native South Carolinians - that our Independence day pre-dates the Nation's Independence Day!
On 28 June 1776 nine British naval ships began a bombardment of Charles Town (Charleston), the fourth largest and by far the wealthiest city in its American colonies. In a battle lasting about 9 hours, a small force of patriots comprised of South and North Carolinians and their Native American allies commanded by Colonel William Moultrie and Colonel William Thomson successfully defended the harbor and town from a sand and palmetto log fort on Sullivan's Island. Using the 31 guns inside the fort to concentrate "hot shot" fire on the British's two largest ships, American forces prevented the landing of 2500 British soldiers and marines. Patriot actions that day helped delay British occupation of Charleston for another 4 years.
The anniversary was first observed in 1777 as Fort Moultrie Day eventually becoming known as Carolina Day in 1875. In 1995 the South Carolina State Legislature formally declared June 28th as "Carolina Day".
Join us on June 28, 2022 to hear Bostick share "The Legacy of Carolina Day" in the Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort at 11 AM. Registration opens on June 14, 2022 and is required through the Beaufort County Historical Society's website. Space is limited.
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