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On January 2, 1776, the Second Regiment of the South Carolina Infantry, commanded by Colonel (later General) William Moultrie, was ordered to fortify Sullivan's Island as a part of the defense plan for Charleston. Shortly after this, construction of "a fort large enough to hold a garrison of 1000 men" was begun, and the name "Fort Sullivan" was given.
A proclamation from the British Commander offering a free pardon to all who would lay down their arms and return their allegiance to the King went without response from the men of Fort Sullivan.
Shortly before noon on June 28, 1776, the assault on Fort Sullivan began with about ten British ships of war bombarding the Fort. The battle was waged furiously by both sides. In the course of the engagement, Sergeant Jasper performed his memorable feat of gallantry. Seeing the flag had fallen to the beach, he leaped to the beach amid a storm of shot, snatched up the flag and replaced it on the bastion.
By nine o'clock on the night of the 28th, firing ceased from both the British ships and Fort Sullivan, and the ships, except for one which remained grounded, withdrew out of range. In a few days the whole British squadron, with its troops aboard, sailed for New York.
The Congress at Philadelphia passed a Resolution of Commendation and Thanks to General Lee, Colonel Moultrie, Colonel Thomson and the officers and men under their commands. The General Assembly of South Carolina renamed the fort "Fort Moultrie" in honor of its Commander, William Moultrie.
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