Historic Site
(912) 437-4770
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:
Tuesday-Saturday 9AM-5PM
Sunday 2-5:30PM
Closed Monday (except holidays), Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Closed Tuesday when open on Monday.
|
 |
 |
|
 |
| |
Note: Fort King George Historic Site has no reservable facilities.
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
Events
Cannons Across the Marsh
Saturday, Jul 5, 2008 10 AM - 4 PM
| Join the Garrison for a day of artillery drills, musket firings and soldier's life activities to honor Independence Day. Free watermelon and lemonade will be served. $2.50-$5. (912) 437-4770. |
|
|
Garrison Dinner
Saturday, Sep 20, 2008 7 PM - 9 PM
| Join the Garrison as our British officers dispute with Spanish emissaries sent to protest the presence of Fort King George on the Altamaha River. An evening dinner and debate will take place. RSVP by September 16. $30. (912) 437-4770. |
|
|
The Debatable Land Fall Encampment
Saturday, Nov 8, 2008 10 AM - 5 PM
| 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. $2.50-$5. (912) 437-4770. |
|
|
A Colonial Christmas at Fort King George
Saturday, Dec 13, 2008 7 PM - 9 PM
| Join the garrison for a traditional dinner in the enlisted barracks and an evening of colonial-style Yule Tide jollification. RSVP by December 8. $30 dinner. (912) 437-4770. |
| |
Admission:
Adults $5, Children $2.50, Seniors $4.50
Group tours available for adults and youths that consist of 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. Group rate: $3.50 per adult or $2 per child.
Picnic area and bus parking available.
Facilities:
Outdoor Exhibits
Museum and Film
Gift Shop
Nature Trail
Picnic Area
Bus Parking
Nearby Attractions
Colonial Coast Birding Trail
Georgia's Colonial Coast Travel Region
Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site
Fort Morris State Historic Site
Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve
Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge
Lewis Island Natural Area
Georgia's Golden Isles
Jekyll Island Historic District
Fort Frederica
Preferred Factory Outlets
Beaches
|
|
|
|
|
|
