Last updated: July 31, 2023
Place
1809 Powder Magazine in Fort Moultrie
NPS
Quick Facts
Location:
Fort Moultrie, Sullivan's Island
Amenities
1 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
The United States Army finished construction of Fort Moultrie in 1809. While only foundations of the original barracks remain, the 1809 powder magazine still stands, enduring the American Civil War and several hurricanes.
The magazine stored black powder to keep it safe, dry, and away from flame. The thick walls and solid brick traverse in front of the entrance helped protect the magazine in wartime. To protect the powder from fire, a lightning rod was erected and spark producing metals were kept out of the magazine. A traverse sits in front of the powder magazine. The traverse, a solid brick structure, protected the powder magazine from enemy artillery fire.
The National Park Service has restored the magazine to its 1840 appearance. Visitors can walk inside the powder magazine and see replica powder barrels.
The magazine stored black powder to keep it safe, dry, and away from flame. The thick walls and solid brick traverse in front of the entrance helped protect the magazine in wartime. To protect the powder from fire, a lightning rod was erected and spark producing metals were kept out of the magazine. A traverse sits in front of the powder magazine. The traverse, a solid brick structure, protected the powder magazine from enemy artillery fire.
The National Park Service has restored the magazine to its 1840 appearance. Visitors can walk inside the powder magazine and see replica powder barrels.