Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Hwy 80 East
Savannah, Georgia
Tel:
(912) 786-5787
See the fort where rifled cannons were first used in combat! Explore scenic marsh and local wildlife along the lovely Savannah River!
The Battle at Fort Pulaski in April 1862 marked the first significant use of rifled cannons in combat, after the long-range weapons shattered Fort Pulaski's walls from over a mile away, leading to its ultimate surrender. Today visitors can enjoy the 17-minute film, "The Battle for Fort Pulaski," about the battle which surprised military strategists worldwide, and signaled the end of masonry fortifications, as well as great exhibits on the history and significance of the fort. Ranger-led talks and demonstrations are presented daily in the fort during the summer months and on weekends the rest of the year.
The Fort Pulaski National Monument features 5,623 acres of scenic marsh and uplands that support a variety of animal life as well as trails, a picnic area and camping and lodging, available on nearby Tybee Island. Naturalists will enjoy observing plants, wildflowers, and Savannah River wildlife when not hiking, biking, boating and fishing in the Savannah River, Lazaretto Creek, and Oyster Creek.
To get to the Fort Pulaski National Monument from I- 95, take exit for I-16 about 15 miles west of Savannah. From I-16, take U.S. Highway 80 East. Follow signs for Fort Pulaski, Tybee Island and beaches. Fort Pulaski National Monument entrance is approximately 15 miles east of Savannah.
From Fort Pulaski National Monument - Georgia:
The defining events of Fort Pulaski occurred during the American Civil War. In April of 1862, Union troops directed rifled cannon fire at the fort breaching the southeast angle. The quick success of this experimental cannon surprised military strategists. The accuracy and range of the rifled cannon rendered brick fortifications obsolete. Immediately after capturing the fort, Union Major General David Hunter, an ardent abolitionist, ordered the release of area slaves. Many were recruited into the Union army comprising the First South Carolina Colored Regiment. The park includes scenic marsh and uplands that support a variety of animal life characteristic of southern barrier islands.