Fort Argyle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Fort Argyle Site
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Historical marker some distance from the site
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| Nearest city | Savannah, Georgia |
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| Area | 20 acres (8.1 ha) |
| Built | 1734 |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000574 |
| Added to NRHP | March 31, 1975 |
The Old Fort Argyle Site is a special historical place near Savannah, Georgia. It is located inside Fort Stewart in Bryan County, Georgia. This site was once an important English military settlement. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 because of its historical importance. Today, you can't easily visit the exact spot, as access is restricted.
Contents
Old Fort Argyle: A Glimpse into History
Old Fort Argyle was a fort built by English settlers. It was named after John, Duke of Argyle. He was a friend and supporter of James Edward Oglethorpe. Oglethorpe was the founder of the Georgia colony.
Why Was Fort Argyle Built?
Fort Argyle was built in 1733 on the west bank of the Ogeechee River. Its main job was to protect the new settlers of Savannah. It guarded against attacks from Native American groups. These groups had recently invaded South Carolina. The fort also protected against possible attacks from the Spanish in Florida.
More Than One Fort
Interestingly, there wasn't just one Fort Argyle. Over time, three different forts were built near this spot. The first fort was constructed in 1734. A second fort was built around 1742. The third and final fort was built in the late 1750s. Each fort helped to defend the growing English colony.
The Historical Marker
Even though the site itself is restricted, you can find a historical marker nearby. This marker tells us about the fort's history. It explains why the fort was so important for the early settlers.
The marker reads:
Fort Argyle
Near here, on the West bank of the Ogeechee River, Fort Argyle was built in 1733, to command one of the main passes by which enemy Indians had recently invaded South Carolina, and to give protection to the settlers of Savannah from anticipated raid by Spaniards from Florida.
The fort was named in honor of John, Duke of Argyle, friend and patron of James Edward Oglethorpe, and was garrisoned by Captain McPherson with a detachment of Rangers.
GHM 015-9 GEORGIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 1958
The marker is located on Georgia Highway 144. It is about four miles west of its junction with U.S. Highway 17.
