10 Facts You Didn’t Know About the Lowcountry’s National Parks

Join us in exploring one of the Lowcountry’s famed national parks, including Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, Fort Sumter National Monument, and Fort Moultrie! But before you go, scroll on to learn 10 historic facts about Charleston’s national treasures.

Edgar Allen Poe was stationed at Fort Moultrie between 1827 – 1828. Later in life, he wrote the short story The Gold Bug based on his time at the fort and on Sullivan’s Island. The South Carolina state flag traces its origins to the Battle of Sullivan’s Island during the American Revolution on June 28, 1776. Fort Sumter sits on a man-made island that took over 10 years to build. Ships from New England brought down granite and rock used to make the island’s foundation. Confederate forces from Fort Johnson fired the first shots of the American Civil War at Fort Sumter, which was occupied by United States troops, on April 12, 1861. Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter were both active forts through World War II. Both were decommissioned in 1947. Fort Sumter is named after the Revolutionary War General Thomas Sumter, who is also known as the “Gamecock.” The Charleston Light on Sullivan’s Island was the last major lighthouse built by the federal government in 1962. Its three-sided design can withstand winds of up to 125 mph. At the invitation of Charles Pinckney, George Washington stopped and enjoyed breakfast at Snee Farm on May 2, 1791. While Charles Pinckney was not there, General William Moultrie was. No structures from Charles Pinckney’s time remain at the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, but archaeologists discovered the foundation for a house directly beneath the existing house. Charles Pinckney won his first election at age 21 in Christ Church Parish with a whopping two votes, including his own.

Charleston is the perfect backdrop for exploring the natural world around you, and having fun while you do it! Discover more of Charleston’s parks and visit NationalParksAdventure.com.