Carolina Day commemorates the victorious Battle of Sullivan’s Island during the American Revolutionary War, which took place on June 28, 1776 – just a few days before Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence – and has been celebrated since 1777.
A small band of Patriots stationed at the palmetto log fort managed to fend off a massive British fleet, marking an important early victory in the war for independence from Great Britain. The battle was among over two hundred Revolutionary battles and skirmishes in South Carolina.
To celebrate the victory, the people of Charleston marked the anniversary one year later – and the commemoration continues to this day as Carolina Day. It has been known as the Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Moultrie, Palmetto Day, and Sgt. Jasper’s Day. In 1875, it began being referred to as Carolina Day. The commemoration usually includes artillery salutes, militia demonstrations, and parades. The day is marked with St. Michael’s Episcopal Church bells playing “Three Blind Mice.” Legend has it this was the only tune the message runner knew how to play when spreading the word about the victory.
Click to hear church bells play "Three Blind Mice"
