Historic Site
912-437-4770
 Fort King George State Historic Site Business Plan
This is the oldest English fort remaining on Georgia's coast. From 1721 until 1736, Fort King George was the southern outpost of the British Empire in North America. A cypress blockhouse, barracks and palisaded earthen fort were constructed in 1721 by scoutmen led by Colonel John “Tuscarora Jack” Barnwell. For the next seven years, His Majesty’s Independent Company garrisoned the fort. They endured incredible hardships from disease, threats of Spanish and Indian attacks, and the harsh, unfamiliar coastal environment. After the fort was abandoned, General James Oglethorpe brought Scottish Highlanders to the site in 1736. The settlement, called Darien, eventually became a foremost export center of lumber until 1925.
Using old records and drawings, this 18th century frontier fortification on the Altamaha River has been reconstructed for public tours. Structures include a blockhouse, officers' quarters, barracks, a guardhouse, moat and palisades. A museum and film cover the Guale Indians, the Santo Domingo de Talaje mission, Fort King George, the Scots of Darien and 19th century sawmilling when Darien became a major seaport. In addition to the many fort buildings, remains of three sawmills and tabby ruins are still visible. This site is on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail.
Hours:
Historic Site Admission:
- $7.00 Adults
- $6.50 Seniors (62+)
- $4.00 Youth (6-17)
- $2.00 Child (under 6)
- Group tours available for 15 or more people. Reservations required at least one week in advance. Group tours consist of a one-hour living history presentation on a soldier’s life and a weapons demonstration.
- Picnic area and bus parking available.
FACILITIES & THINGS TO DO:
Teacher's Resource for Touring Historic Sites
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
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Note: Fort King George Historic Site has no reservable facilities.
View by dateEvents
A Memorial Day Commemoration
Monday, May 27, 2013
 Join the garrison for a day of artillery drills, musket firings, blacksmithing, and soldier's life activities. Musket and cannon firing demonstrations will be presented throughout the day.
Start your summer with a BANG here at Fort King George! $4.00-$7.00 912-437-4770. |
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The Burning of Darien: We know how... but why?
Sunday, Jun 9, 2013 3 PM to 5 PM
 This is a FREE event that takes place just down the road from Fort King George at St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church. This lecture is part of the Sesquecentennial observation of the Burning of Darien. 912-437-4770. |
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Sherman's March Lecture by Stephen Berry
Thursday, Jun 20, 2013 7 PM to 9 PM
| This is a FREE event that takes place here at Fort King George. Historian Stephen Berry will discuss General Sherman's infamous March to the Sea! 912-437-4770. |
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Darien in the Reconstruction Period
Sunday, Jun 23, 2013 3 PM to 5 PM
| This is a FREE event that takes place at The First African Baptist Church here in Darien. Dr. Michael Benjamin will discuss the intricacies of Darien being re-built from the ashes of the Civil War! 912-437-4770. |
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The Debatable Land -- Autumn Encampment
Friday, Nov 8, 2013 until Saturday, Nov 9, 2013
| A wide range of living history presentations will highlight various cultures and people that inhabited our region, long before Georgia was established in 1733. A battle reenactment will take place at 2 p.m. $4-$7. 912-437-4770. |
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Make a Reservation