Carolina Day 2011

Date: June 13, 2011
Contact: Bill Martin, [phone] x 11

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND, SC – Fort Sumter National Monument invites you to celebrate Carolina Day with two special programs at Fort Moultrie on Sunday, June 26 and Tuesday, June 28, 2011. This year’s programs will include an Army Band concert and a presentation by local historian Doug MacIntyre.  On both days Fort Moultrie and the visitor center will be open extended hours and the normal entrance fee will be waived.

Carolina Day, observed every June 28^th throughout South Carolina, commemorates the successful defeat of British land and naval forces by Carolina and Virginia patriots on June 28, 1776. This was the first decisive victory by the American Colonies in their fight for independence and prevented the British from gaining a foothold into South Carolina for another four years. This year marks the 235^th anniversary of the battle of Sullivan’s Island.

On Sunday, June 26, at 7:00 PM the 246^th Army Band of the South Carolina National Guard will present a concert of patriotic and popular music.  On Tuesday, June 28, at 7:00 PM Doug MacIntyre will speak on the battle of Breech Inlet and patriot leader, Colonel William “Danger” Thomson. This often forgotten battle, overshadowed by the engagement between the British Navy and the fort later known as Fort Moultrie, was instrumental in the overall victory over the British forces.

Sunday, June 26
9:00 AM - Fort Moultrie and visitor center open
6:45 PM - Fort Moultrie closes
7:00 PM - Band Concert
8:00 PM - Visitor center closes

Tuesday, June 28
9:00 AM - Fort Moultrie and visitor center open
6:45 PM - Fort Moultrie closes
7:00 PM – Presentation by Historian Doug MacIntyre
8:00 PM - Visitor center closes

Both programs will take place outdoors. Visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket and insect repellent.  In case of rain Mr. MacIntyre’s program on Tuesday will take place in the Fort Moultrie Visitor Center Auditorium.

Fort Moultrie is administered by Fort Sumter National Monument, a unit of the National Park Service. Located at 1214 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, the fort and visitor center are open daily from 9:00-5:00 except for New Year's, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. For more information, call [phone].