07/12/2026
As we celebrate the 250th birthday of our country, we remember a symbol of South Carolina cherished by Jim Harrison in several paintings.
The palmetto tree became a symbol of American resilience during the Revolutionary War after its spongy, fibrous logs were used to build a makeshift citadel at Fort Moultrie (then Fort Sullivan) on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina. During the Battle of Sullivan's Island on June 28, 1776, the elastic and resilient palmetto wood successfully absorbed the impact of British cannonballs without shattering. This allowed the Patriots under Colonel William Moultrie to outlast the Royal Navy, marking one of the first decisive American victories of the war.
This legendary defense led to the enduring legacy of the palmetto tree in American history. South Carolina officially adopted the nickname — the Palmetto State — honoring the tree that secured their early victory. The South Carolina flag also prominently features the palmetto tree, a design rooted in Moultrie's troops and their revolutionary efforts.
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