Carolina Day 2026

 

A Revolutionary war cannon stands in front of a palmetto tree and a white tent with a blue sky in the background.

NPS/ B.Marcum

What is Carolina Day?

Carolina Day is the annual commemoration of the Battle of Sullivan's Island that occurred on June 28, 1776. This battle occurred when British forces attempted to seize the strategic fort on Sullivan’s Island. Patriot defenders successfully repelled the attack despite being outnumbered and under heavy fire. The battle marked the first major victory for patriot forces, boosting moral and demonstrating the ability to repel British attacks early in the Revolutionary War.

Below is a listing of Carolina Day activities and Freedom 250 commemorative events.

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Carolina Day Commemoration

Carolina Day commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, which was first celebrated in 1777 on the battle anniversary date, June 28. It was named in honor of the victory because the triumph was a pivotal moment for South Carolina and its patriots during the American Revolution.

Fort Moultrie hosts Carolina Day events annually on the weekend closest to June 28. During this weekend, living historians in period clothing who portray both Patriot and British soldiers and civilians help visitors understand and learn about life in 1776. Historic weapons demonstrations provide an understanding of how historic weapons were used during the Battle of Sullivan's Island. Ranger programs help visitors to understand the significance of the battle and the history behind the palmetto log fort.

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan's Island. In addition to historic weapons demonstrations, ranger programs and interactive activities, Fort Moultrie will host a special ceremony on Sunday, June 28, 2026. This ceremony will officially commemorate the battle anniversary and is the Signature Event for the Carolina Day weekend.

This is a fee-free weekend. No site fees will apply during this event.

 

Saturday June 27, 2026

Schedule of Events
Time	Event
9:00 am	Fort Moultrie Visitor Center opens to the public
9:00 am - 4:00 pm	History Row and Living History Area available (Seaside of Fort Moultrie)
9:30 am	Moultrie Flag raising (Inside Fort Moultrie) Learn about the history behind the flag and its adoption as part of the SC state flag.
10:00 am	Artillery Firing demonstration (Adjacent to Fort Moultrie)
10:30 am	Musket Firing demonstration (Adjacent to Fort Moultrie)
11:00 am	Ranger Led History Talk with Q&A (Main Event Tent) Learn more about the Battle of Sullivan's Island and participate in a moderated discussion with local experts.
12:00 pm	Artillery Firing demonstration (Adjacent to Fort Moultrie)
12:30 pm	Musket Firing demonstration (Adjacent to Fort Moultrie)
1:00 pm	Catawba Indian Nation - History 101 (Visitor Center Auditorium) Learn more about the Catawba Nation and its involvment in the battle.
2:00 pm	Artillery Firing demonstration (Adjacent to Fort Moultrie)
2:30 pm	Musket Firing demonstration (Adjacent to Fort Moultrie)
3:00 pm	Ranger Led History Talk with Q&A (Main Event Tent) Learn more about the Battle of Sullivan's Island and participate in a moderated discussion with local experts.
4:00 pm	Artillery Firing Demonstration (Adjacent to Fort Moultrie)
4:30 pm	Musket Firing Demonstration (Adjacent to Fort Moultrie)
4:30 pm	Fort Moultrie Visitor Center closes to the public

Sunday June 28, 2026

Schedule of Events
Time	Event
9:00 am	Fort Moultrie Visitor Center opens to the public
9:00 am - 4:00 pm	History Row and Living History Area available (Seaside of Fort Moultrie)
9:30 am	Fife and Drum of Yorktown begin playing (Main Event Tent)
10:00 am	Military Flyover/Church Bell Ringing
10:05 am	Official ceremony begins (Main Event Tent)
12:00 pm	Official ceremony concludes
12:00 pm	Fife and Drum of Yorktown begin playing (Main Event Tent)
1:00 pm	Ranger History Talk (Main Event Tent) Learn more about the Battle of Sullivan's Island with a park ranger
1:30 pm	Artillery Firing demonstration (Adjacent to Fort Moultrie)
2:00 pm	Musket Firing demonstration (Adjacent to Fort Moultrie)
2:30 pm	Ranger History Talk (Main Event Tent) Learn more about the Battle of Sullivan's Island with a park ranger.
3:00 pm	Artillery Firing demonstration (Adjacent to Fort Moultrie)
3:30 pm	Musket Firing demonstration (Adjacent to Fort Moultrie)
4:00 pm – 4:45 pm	Parris Island Marine Band concert (Main Event Tent)
4:30 pm	Fort Moultrie Visitor Center Closes to the public

 

Living historians interact with visitors during Carolina Day events.

NPS Photo/N. Boyd

All Day Events 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

History Row and Interactive Activities

History Row is designed to have hands-on interactive stations that are family friendly and appropriate for all ages. Visitors can:

• Play Colonial Games
• Create their own flag, cartridge, sachet
• Learn to play cricket
• Learn about colonial clothing.....and more!

Demonstrations provided by living historians will include:

• Knot Tying
• Colonial Dancing
• Brick Making
• Indigo Dyeing
• Colonial Cooking.....and more!