Last updated: October 10, 2024
Place
Fort Moultrie Torpedo Storehouse
NPS
Quick Facts
Location:
Fort Moultrie, Sullivan's Island, South Carolina
OPEN TO PUBLIC:
No
Amenities
1 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
The Fort Moultrie Military Reservation supplied the minefields in Charleston Harbor. To support a minefield, the US Army built several structures, including a torpedo storehouse. Additional structures included a mining casemate, magazine, cable tank storehouse, a mine wharf, and a tramway connecting all the structures. Most of the structures have been removed with the exception of the torpedo storehouse.
Built in 1902, the torpedo storehouse was used to store equipment and empty mines. It stands as a reminder of Charleston Harbor's minefield. In 1918, the US Army Mine Planter Service was established and placed under the Coast Artillery Corps. Their mission was to install and maintain the minefields that were an integral part of coastal fortifications. Once the mines were placed, soldiers in mining casemates could electronically detonate them if enemy vessels approached. In Charleston Harbor, there were mining casemates located at Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter.
Today, the Fort Moultrie Torpedo Storehouse serves as the administrative headquarters for Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park and Charles Pinckney National Historic Site. It is open to the public by appointment.
Built in 1902, the torpedo storehouse was used to store equipment and empty mines. It stands as a reminder of Charleston Harbor's minefield. In 1918, the US Army Mine Planter Service was established and placed under the Coast Artillery Corps. Their mission was to install and maintain the minefields that were an integral part of coastal fortifications. Once the mines were placed, soldiers in mining casemates could electronically detonate them if enemy vessels approached. In Charleston Harbor, there were mining casemates located at Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter.
Today, the Fort Moultrie Torpedo Storehouse serves as the administrative headquarters for Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park and Charles Pinckney National Historic Site. It is open to the public by appointment.