Fort Moultrie Liberty Flag

This flag was flown over the Fortifications on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, as they battled a British Invasion. When the flag fell during the course of the battle, it was lifted by Sergeant William Jasper, who held it until a new flagstaff could be improvised, claiming “We cannot fight without a flag.” But they fought valiantly with the flag, fending off the British fleet and felling their commander, Sir Peter Parker.

This decisive battle was the first British loss at sea in years and prevented them from the capacity for a Southern invasion for a long while afterward. It was enhanced with the bold word “Liberty” to reflect the dreams of the Colonists.