Fort Pulaski National Monument

Address:	US-80, Savannah, GA 31410, USA
Phone:	+1 912-786-5787
Site:	nps.gov
Rating:	4.7
Working:	9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 8

Steve Markos

I am a writer and photographer for National Park Planner and I visited Fort Pulaski National Monument in March 2016. The park preserves the fort that protected the mouth of the Savannah River, deterring enemy ships from launching an assault on the city of Savannah. Constructed between 1829 and 1847, its place in history was sealed when it became the first victim of modern rifled artillery, which rendered masonry forts of its type obsolete. The fort was seized by the Georgia militia on January 3, 1861—at the time only two Federal soldiers occupied the fort—then turned it over to the Confederacy when Georgia seceded from the Union on the 19th. Confederate troops also occupied Tybee Island, but when the Union took control of Hilton Head Island in November, an island just seven miles to the north by water, the troops were removed to the safety of Fort Pulaski, leaving Tybee undefended. At one mile away, and with the range of heavy artillery only being a half mile, the Confederates saw no reason to maintain a presence on Tybee. The Union, however, had other plans and took control of the abandoned island a month later and immediately commenced the construction of eleven batteries that could hold thirty-six cannon, ten of which sported the new rifled technology. On April 10, 1862, after Confederate commander Colonel Charles Olmstead refused the Union’s demand to surrender earlier in the day—and why not, they were a mile away—Union forces used rifled cannon to bombard Fort Pulaski. These guns, with their interior barrels cut with spiral grooves, sent bullet-shaped shells spinning like footballs, increasing not only their accuracy, but also their range and velocity. The walls of the “indestructible fort” were breached in less than thirty hours. With gunpowder storage facilities now exposed to incoming shells, the Confederates surrendered the fort back to the Union and it remained under Union control for the remainder of the war. Visitors to the park are welcome to tour the grounds and the interior of the fort, either on a Ranger-guided tour or on their own. On Saturdays, park Rangers conduct historical weapons demonstrations, firing actual cannons and muskets. Be sure to first stop at the Visitor Center to see a film about the fort’s history and browse through the museum exhibits. What may come as a surprise at a historical park is the availability of outdoor activities including picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing, and even paddling. While Fort Pulaski, itself, is no larger than any other fort in the National Park system, the grounds of the park not only include the entire Cockspur Island, but also McQueens Island, the island across the South Channel of the Savannah River. Granted, much of this is marsh land that is inaccessible by foot, but there are plenty of rivers and creeks that you can canoe or kayak on and still be within the boundaries of Fort Pulaski National Monument. For complete information on visiting the park and dozens of quality photos, see the National Park Planner web site (npplan).

Victor Loar

I have not been to this for many years. They have done a lot of work to it and it looks great since what I had last remember when I was a child. I was a little sad to see that some of the rooms have been blocked off. I understand that he needs to be preserve that I know they dont want it to followed Fall Apart. I was just kind of comparing to other forts I had been like Fort Clinch or Casteel sent Marco where youre allowed to go in the rooms but I guess they felt that that was the best way to preserve it. Overall the staff was very helpful and it was a great day to be had by all. If you are visiting please understand that they are doing major construction on the bridge on the way in so there may be a few minute wait youre going yet. Also if youre in I can there is a great hiking route there as well worth seeing.

Teresa Richardson

This place is fun for me, so its bound to be fun for kids to explore, with the under ground tunnels showing where they stored ammunition and how wars were fought during a period of time. Some of the tunnels get really dark and spooky. There is original damage from the shells where it hit the fort. There is a moat around the fort which is really interesting. There are no fences on the top so watch were you step. The steps getting to the top are a bit wonky & awkward as well. We saw a heard of deer off grazing in the field so you might be lucky enough to catch some of the local Georgia Wildlife. This is a place to explore the history of our country, history of Georgia and learn about a period of time.

Steve Meyer

Greatly enjoyed our visit. The guide was very personable and incredibly knowledgeable. The first time we went last year, they had a Union trooper loading and firing his musket. There were no reenactments this time but it was nice to walk around and explore history. Only one issue and that was beyond the control of the park ... a trashy family decided to leave their Wendys bag and mountain dew cans, that their 3 year old was sucking down, just laying wherever they felt was right. Of course they were loud and obnoxious and had no control over their kids either. Cant fix it, but it provided us with a valuable teaching moment for our kids who were shocked that people acted that way.

Lauri S

Another great Fort to visit in Savannah. We took our two teenagers to this Fort and Fort Jackson. This Fort is big and has a lot of grounds and cannons to see. The best part was walking around the Fort to see the brick construction and where the cannons struck the outer parts of the Fort, ultimately breaching it. Great history to see. One thing to consider is the walk to the lighthouse. It is a long windy walk to get there and you cant get up to the lighthouse but you can get close enough for pictures. Be sure to bring bug spray as the mosquitoes were terrible. The whole family came back with bug bites everywhere. All in all, a great Fort to visit.

Yvon St-Charles

Nous avons fait la visite guidée avec une "Ranger" qui nous a présenté le fort et son histoire avec enthousiasme. Très intéressant et ce à tout point de vue. Accès facile et grand stationnement, le prix dentrée est très abordable ( $7 ) et comprend la visite guidée, à laquelle il faut sinscrire dès larrivée.

Joshua Wiest

A symbol of the new model American coastal defense, the forts construction was led by none other than Robert E. Lee, and met its fateful end under a revolutionary bombardment conducted by the controversial Union General William T. Sherman. In the waning years of the Civil War this structure represented defiance, and its collapse was paramount in the culmination of Americas bloodiest war. Fort Pulaski is a key stop for anyone looking to learn more about Shermans brilliant strategic campaign through the heart of the South that put the final nail in the Confederate coffin.

Joseph Hobbs

A Lovely place that is rich full of history, you can feel the presesnce of a time, people and place lost over time. This is a very special place to us that call Tybee Home. Fort Pulaski was at one time a defensive for and protected our coast. You can still see the cannons and quaters and even damage from conflict. You can even walk on top where the guards would keep watch. A must stop and see if you visit. Perfect sunrises in the morning. I will link to a sunrise video from google maps that I Produced for visitors of our beautiful city!