Combat· American Revolutionary War
Destruction of Fort Johnston, Charleston Harbor
On February 16, 1780, Continental Marines and sailors demolished Fort Johnston on James Island, on the south side of Charleston Harbor, South Carolina.
A British expedition under General Sir Henry Clinton had landed its troops on Johns Island, 30 miles south of the city, on February 11. On February 14, parties of Marines and seamen under Captains Simpson and Tucker blew up the lighthouse. The next day Governor Rutledge suggested that the same men demolish the walls of Fort Johnston, and that evening Commodore Whipple ordered Simpson and Tucker to level the remains of the fort. His orders provided for landing the Marines of the Providence, Boston and Ranger, ready for immediate action or to secure a retreat. Early on February 16 the Marines landed and were ordered to surround the fort, while sailors inside planted explosive charges and set them off. Once the fort was leveled and of no advantage to the enemy, the Marines and seamen withdrew across the harbor. Charleston fell on May 12, 1780.
Record no. 143