The City of Moultrie was incorporated in Colquitt County by an act of the Georgia General Assembly on December 13, 1859. It was named in honor of Major General William Moultrie of South Carolina (1730-1805), who aided American independence through his service and sacrifice during the Revolutionary War. In 1776, he led forces defending Charleston, South Carolina, against the British. Believing in the cause of liberty, Moultrie fought with other Patriots to help establish a new nation.