We know that the nation will celebrate Independence Day on July 4, but do you know what is celebrated on June 28?
South Carolinians, and Charlestonians in particular, have been celebrating June 28 as Carolina Day for over 200 years. It was on June 28, 1776, that South Carolina achieved the first decisive victory of the American Revolution at the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, encouraging all of the colonies to mutually pledge their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor in the fight for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The Palmetto Society of Charleston, founded in 1777, celebrates the Revolutionary War victory of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, June 28, 1776, and is hosting several events commemorating Carolina Day.
Church bells will ring out across the historic city of Charleston, and there will be a commemorative service at St. Michael’s Anglican Church. Following the service, citizens, dignitaries, and costumed Revolutionary reenactors will gather in Washington Park at the corner of Meeting Street and Broad Street. They will march, accompanied by bagpipes and flags, to nearby White Point Gardens for a ceremony of speeches and commemoration.
Downtown Charleston
Schedule of Events
Saturday, June 28, 2025
10:00 am-11:00 am
Church Service at St. Michael’s Church
11:00 am-11:30 am
Gather at Washington Park
11:30 am-11:45 am
Parade from Washington Park to White Point Garden
11:45 am-12:30 pm
Benjamin Zeigler speaks at White Point Garden with wreath laying to follow.
The National Park Service Event, Sullivan’s Island
On June 28, 2025, Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park in Sullivan’s Island will commemorate the 249th anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island with programs and weapon demonstrations. Celebrations include parades, militia demonstrations, and artillery salutes.
The park is open 9:00 am – 4:30 pm, and the entrance fee has been waived for Saturday, June 28. The day will start with a Flag Raising Program at 10:00 am inside Fort Moultrie and continue with history talks, weapons demonstrations, and battle demonstrations. There is a History Row and Interactive Children’s Activities throughout the day. Click here for more information.
–Tidelines Editors
(Sources and image credits: Palmetto Society, National Park Service)