The results of the battle were many-fold. For the Americans, it was their first decisive victory. Coming as it did only six days before the final adoption of the Declaration of Independence, it added strength to the magnificent words of Thomas Jefferson. For South Carolina, it produced confidence in the government led by John Rutledge and forestalled another British effort to take Charleston for over three years. More importantly to both South Carolina and the new nation, this daring feat against odds fired the imagination of its citizens.

Here was the model for future triumph. It was here, in a day-long battle, that a gallant and spirited band defeated in desperate conflict an overwhelming naval and military force, and having utterly whipped them, drove them from their shores. For the new nation, pride in the victory was unbounded. The Virginia Gazette cheered the South Carolinians: "General LEE and our brave friends in SOUTH CAROLINA! HUZZA!"

For the British, the results were humiliating. A superb naval flotilla and army had been thwarted, in a large degree, due to the imprudent mistakes made by veteran officers. Poor planning and the refusal of the army and navy to cooperate sealed the doom of the British. The British lost all element of surprise and failed to take advantage of American weakness in early June. There were no naval officers in the fleet familiar with Charleston harbor. Instead Parker relied on impressed pilots to guide the ships to their crucial anchorage. The folly was incredible, and at home they became the target of vicious satire.