John Benning Chapter DAR to celebrate Gen. William Moultrie Day Saturday

MOULTRIE — The public is invited to celebrate the history and founding of Moultrie, Ga., on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on the Courthouse Square.

In honor of America’s Semi-quincentennial occurring in 2026, the John Benning Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will host a birthday party for Gen. William Moultrie, the city’s namesake. This event is in support of NSDAR’s America 250! Committee, and in commitment to the preservation of America’s story and historic legacy, the chapter said in a press release.

Originally named Ochlockoney, the city was renamed in tribute to Moultrie, a Revolutionary War hero, when it was incorporated by the Georgia General Assembly in 1859.

The community is encouraged to attend the annual event taking place during the city’s Second Saturday activities. The general’s birthday cake will be cut and served to the public beginning at noon. Look for DAR’s two red tents near the Liberty Bell replica on the east side of the square. In the event of rain, cake will be served inside the Moultrie Welcome Center located on the north side of the Courthouse Square (formerly ABAC on the Square).

Another highlight of the event will be a life-sized cut-out of General Moultrie that allows a photo opportunity with the general. Photos may also be made with members of the DAR and Sons of the Revolution representatives in continental attire. Stop by to learn more about DAR’s dynamic volunteer service organization. For those interested, there will be limited ancestor look-up from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., including a Patriot Board where if you know the name of your Revolutionary Ancestor, you can check to see if the board lists your ancestor. As a history lesson for children, there will be crayons and coloring pages of General Moultrie, the Colquitt County Courthouse, and other patriotic images.

John Benning Chapter NSDAR will be selling Wreaths Across America ($17) at a table under DAR’s red tents. The fresh balsam wreaths may be picked up at a ceremony to be held at Cobb-Suncrest Garden of Valor on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 11 a.m., or donated at the time of purchase for DAR to place on veterans’ graves. No wreaths will be sold at the cemetery.

William Moultrie was born in Charleston, South Carolina, where he was educated as a planter and served as a leader with the local militia. In 1776 the British mounted an attack on Charleston, the fourth largest port in the colonies. Moultrie defended a small fort constructed of sand and palmetto logs on Sullivan’s Island at the entrance to Charleston Harbor. Though General Charles Lee recommended abandoning the fort, Moultrie decided to stay and stand his ground. Against impossible odds and outnumbered 2,200 British troops to 435 soldiers within the fort, Moultrie successfully prevented land and sea invasions of Charleston.

After the battle, the Continental Congress responded by promoting Moultrie to the rank of brigadier general, and his regiment was taken into the Continental Army. In 1785 the state legislature elected him governor of South Carolina, and again in 1792-1794. He also served as a member of the South Carolina convention to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

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