Tony Thurmond: “I introduced a bill establishing the Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. These sites are presently…”

“I introduced a bill establishing the Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. These sites are presently managed by the National Park Service as the Fort Sumter National Monument. The bill clarifies the boundaries of the park and will more accurately reflect the resources that are recognized, protected, and interpreted at these sites. Both of these forts were pivotal sites in the history of South Carolina and the Nation. Fort Moultrie was the centerpiece of the Battle of Sullivan's Island on June 28, 1776, just six days prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The valiant defense of the fort by South Carolina militia units resulted in the first decisive victory over British forces in the Revolutionary War. The fort is named after the commander of those units, Colonel William Moultrie. Colonel Moultrie's forces constructed the first fort out of Palmetto trees and sand. The Palmettos were used because of the lack of proper building materials. Though initially thought to be inadequate for protection, the Palmettos repelled salvo after salvo from the British naval forces. Such excellent fortifications allowed Colonel Moultrie's militia to return fire with devastating results. Fort Moultrie also played a part in the events leading up to the Civil War. It was the site of the batteries that bombarded Fort Sumter.”