Fort Pulaski National Monument

Occupying Cockspur Island which lies in the Savannah River between the city of Savannah and Tybee Island is Fort Pulaski National Monument.

Construction on the fort began in 1829 during an era when the United States was strengthening its maritime fortifications. Originally built to protect the Port of Savannah, Fort Pulaski was used heavily throughout the Civil War era, as control of the fort fluctuated between the United States, the State of Georgia, and the Confederate States of America. During this time, the fort grounds served as a defense fortification, a war prisoner camp, a sanctuary for former slaves, and medical quarantine facilities.

These days, visitors are able to visit preserved areas of Fort Pulaski, as well as several other historically significant areas. 

A Visitor Center is located adjacent to the parking lot and houses interpretive displays along with rangers who are available to answer any questions, and maps and brochures explaining the site's history. From there, a cement walkway leads past several interpretive signs to the fort's interior. Fort Pulaski is constantly under preservation efforts, especially following significant damage sustained during recent hurricanes. However visitors can walk the grounds, climb to the upper levels, and see inside rooms containing era-appropriate displays of life at the fort.

Additionally, there are several other sites of historical interest on the island, which includes Battery Hambright, a more modern river defense location created to defend against invasion of the Savannah River by foreign ships, and the North Pier site where freight was delivered to the island.

Visitors can walk several of the hiking trails on the island, which include:

The Historic Dike System Trail - a 2.3 mile trail that loops around the island which passes by the dike system created by Robert E. Lee to regulate water flow and drainage on the land during and after construction of the fort.

The Picnic Area Trail - a 1.4 mile out and back walk that leads past the village site and Battery Hambright before ending at an outdoor picnic area.

The Lighthouse Overlook Trail - a 1.7 mile out and back which leads along Cockspur Island's eastern end to the nearest and best views of the lighthouse at the island's tip.

Park rangers offer a variety of guided tours, hikes and talks throughout the island's varying features and areas which are free to visitors. The programs vary, so the park recommends that visitors visit the park website to see schedules and plan their trip in advance.

Fort Pulaski National Monument is open daily from the hours of 9am to 5pm, with the exception of some holidays. The entrance fee to the park is $10 per person ages 16 and up, with visitors 15 years old and younger free.

Complete information can be found at the Fort Pulaski National Monument website.