Historic Site
(912) 437-4770
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:
Admission: $3.75-$6.50
- 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:
SUPPORTERS:
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Note: Fort King George Historic Site has no reservable facilities.
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Events
Dinner with General James E. Oglethorpe
Saturday, Feb 18, 2012
| General James E. Oglethorpe and the Garrison of Fort King George invite the public to a colonial dinner in the enlisted soldiers' barracks. Entertainment will feature the arrival of General Oglethorpe, musket and cannon firings, and interaction between the fort officers, soldiers and dinner guests. $35. (912) 437-4770. |
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Scottish Heritage Day Encampment
Saturday, Mar 24, 2012
 A variety of living history demonstrations portraying colonial and particularly Scottish culture will be featured. A battle re-enactment will take place at 2 p.m. Celebrate the first settlers of Darien. $3.75-$6.50. 912-437-4770. |
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Weapons That Made America
Saturday, Apr 21, 2012 10 AM to 4 PM
| Visit with us at the site on this day, to view an extensive collection of both re-production, as well as original weapons ranging from the 16th to the 20th century. There will also be periodic firing demonstrations throughout the day. $3.75- $6.50 912-437-4770. |
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Cannons Across the Marsh
Wednesday, Jul 4, 2012 10 AM to 4 PM
| Join the Garrison for a day of artillery drills, musket firings, and soldier's life activities to honor Independence Day. $3.75- $6.50 912-437-4770. |
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A Murder Mystery in Colonial Darien
Saturday, Sep 29, 2012 7 PM to 8:30 PM
| Have fun with the garrison as you play killer colonial Clue! Guests will become amateur sleuths during this engaging evening. Uncover clues as this dramatic episode unfolds before your eyes... $35. 912-437-4770. |
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The Debatable Land
Saturday, Nov 10, 2012 10 AM to 4 PM
| A range of living history presentations will highlight the various cultures and peoples that inhabited our region before Georgia was established in the 1730s. A battle re-enactment will take place a 2 p.m. $3.75- $6.50 912-437-4770. |
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Colonial Christmas at Fort King George
Saturday, Dec 8, 2012 7 PM to 8:30 PM
| Join the garrison for a traditional dinner in the soldier's barracks and an evening of colonial-style Yule Tide jollification. $35 for dinner. Reservations required. 912-437-4770. |
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Specials
Make a Reservation