The Defenders of Fort Moultrie facts for kids
The Defenders of Fort Moultrie (2019)
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| Location | White Point Garden, Charleston, South Carolina, United States |
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| Height | 21.5 feet (6.6 m) |
| Dedicated to | South Carolina militiamen involved in the Battle of Sullivan's Island |
The Defenders of Fort Moultrie is an important monument in Charleston, South Carolina, United States. It is also often called the Jasper Monument. You can find it in White Point Garden. This monument features Sergeant William Jasper. It was built in 1877 to honor all the South Carolina soldiers. They fought bravely in the Battle of Sullivan's Island during the American Revolutionary War.
Contents
A Brave Story: The Battle of Sullivan's Island
What Happened in 1776
The Battle of Sullivan's Island took place in 1776. It was a big fight during the American Revolutionary War. The battle happened near Charleston, South Carolina. During the fight, enemy gunfire hit the flagpole. This flagpole held the regimental flag.
Sergeant Jasper's Heroic Act
Sergeant William Jasper saw the flag fall. He bravely climbed the fort's wall, called a rampart. He did this while under enemy fire! Jasper held up the flag until it could be put back up. The Continental Army won this battle. Jasper was praised for his courage. Important leaders like John Rutledge, who was the President of South Carolina, honored him. People even called this battle "the Bunker Hill of the South."
Building the Monument
Around 100 years after the battle, people wanted to build a monument. They wanted to honor the South Carolinians who fought. By June 28, 1876, the large granite base of the monument was ready. The bronze statue of Jasper was added the next year.
The Dedication Ceremony
The Palmetto Guard, a military group in Charleston, held the dedication. This special ceremony took place on June 28, 1877. They first traveled to Middleton Place. Then, they returned to the city for the dedication. The monument's name is The Defenders of Fort Moultrie. However, the fort was actually called Fort Sullivan during the battle.
Design and Features
What the Monument Looks Like
The monument has a bronze sculpture of Jasper. This statue stands on a granite base, called a pedestal. The sculpture shows the Continental soldier. His right arm is stretched out, pointing towards Fort Moultrie. He holds the Moultrie flag in his left hand.
Special Details and Inscriptions
Bronze plates are attached to the pedestal. These plates show the Seal of South Carolina. They also show the seal of Charleston. One plate shows a battle scene. It pictures Jasper saving the flag. More words are carved into the granite base. The plate on the front says:
TO THE DEFENDERS OF FORT MOULTRIE JUNE THE 28TH, 1776
The base of the monument is about 15 feet (4.6 meters) tall. The statue of Jasper is about 6.5 feet (2 meters) tall.
See also
In Spanish: Los defensores de Fort Moultrie para niños
