Moultrie Flag facts for kids
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| Name | Liberty flag |
|---|---|
| Proportion | 10:19 |
| Adopted | During the American Revolution |
| Design | White crescent, and the word liberty, in dark blue |
The Moultrie Flag, also called the Liberty Flag, is a famous flag from the American Revolutionary War. It played an important role in a key battle for American freedom.
Contents
The Story of the Moultrie Flag
The Liberty Flag was created in 1775 by Colonel William Moultrie. He was asked to design it to help prepare for the war against Great Britain.
This flag was flown by Moultrie's soldiers during the Battle of Sullivan's Island. This important battle happened in June 1776. Moultrie's troops successfully defended Sullivan's Island against the British navy.
The battle lasted for ten hours. British ships fired cannons at the fort, trying to take it over. But Colonel Moultrie's soldiers, mainly the 2nd South Carolina Regiment, fought bravely. They made the British ships leave, which saved the city of Charleston for the American side.
A Symbol of Courage
During the fight, the flag was actually shot down. But a brave soldier named Sergeant William Jasper quickly ran out into the open. He picked up the flag and put it back up. This act of courage helped to inspire the troops.
The story of Sergeant Jasper and the flag became very famous. It showed how important the battle was. Because of this, the flag became a beloved symbol of freedom in South Carolina. It also became a symbol for the new American states.
The Moultrie Flag then became the official flag for the American soldiers in South Carolina. When the war ended and Charleston was freed on December 14, 1782, this flag was special. General Nathanael Greene's army showed it as the first American flag displayed in the South.
What the Flag Looks Like
The flag is dark blue with a white crescent shape in the top left corner. Some people think the crescent looks like a gorget, which is a piece of armor worn around the neck. Others think it looks like a crescent moon. However, old writings from that time simply call it a "crescent."
The Flag's Lasting Legacy
The Moultrie Flag is a very important symbol in South Carolina. It stands for freedom and the American Revolution. Because of its history, it became the main idea for the state's own flag. The fort where the battle happened was even renamed Fort Moultrie in honor of Colonel Moultrie. Sometimes, the flag is also called the Fort Moultrie Flag.
You might sometimes see the flag with the word liberty written separately in white. This word is usually placed near the bottom center of the flag.
Besides being the basis for South Carolina's flag, the Moultrie Flag is also the flag of Moultrie County, Illinois.
The flag has been honored in other ways too. It was shown on a U.S. stamp in 1968. The moment Sergeant Jasper raised the flag again was also shown on the South Carolina quarter. This quarter is part of the America the Beautiful quarters series.
