General Moultrie was born in Charleston, South Carolina. His parents were Dr. John and Lucretia (Cooper) Moultrie, and he was educated as a planter.

 

He fought in the Anglo-Cherokee War (1761) and was elected to the colonial assembly representing St. Helena Parish before the advent of the American Revolution.

​

In 1776 Moultrie's defense of a small fort on Sullivan's Island (later named Fort Moultrie in his honor) prevented Sir Henry Clinton and Sir Peter Parker from taking Charleston. The Continental Congress passed a resolution thanking Moultrie. He was promoted to brigadier general and his regiment was taken into the Continental Army.

 

​