Fort McAllister Historic State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort McAllister State Park |
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Inside the fort
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 Fort McAllister State Park
Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Fort McAllister State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Bryan County, Georgia, USA |
| Nearest city | Richmond Hill, Georgia |
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Fort McAllister Historic State Park
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| Area | 30 acres (12 ha) |
| Built | 1861 |
| Architect | Captain John McCrady |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000197 |
Fort McAllister State Park is a large park in Georgia, covering about 1,725 acres. It is located near the towns of Keller and Richmond Hill in Bryan County, Georgia. The park sits on the south bank of the Ogeechee River, and some parts even touch the Atlantic Ocean. It's about ten miles south of Savannah.
This park is famous for Fort McAllister. This fort is the best-preserved example of an earthwork fortification from the Civil War. Earthworks are forts made mostly from dirt and logs, which were very strong against cannon fire. Fort McAllister was built by the Confederacy, the southern states during the war.
Union soldiers, from the northern states, tried to capture the fort seven times but failed. However, in 1864, General Sherman and his Union army finally took the fort. This happened during his famous "March to the Sea," a key event in the Civil War.
Today, the park is a beautiful place on the coast. It has huge live oak trees and a big salt marsh. There's also a museum inside the park. The museum shows many items from the Civil War. Fort McAllister was recognized as an important historical site in 1970.
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What Can You Do at Fort McAllister?
Fort McAllister State Park offers many fun activities for visitors. You can explore the historic fort or enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Camping and Lodging Options
- 56 places for tents, trailers, and RVs
- 2 campsites for hiking deep into nature
- 7 cozy cottages
- 2 picnic shelters for groups
- 2 pioneer campgrounds for a rustic experience
- 1 group shelter for larger gatherings
Outdoor Adventures
- Hiking trails: 4.3 miles total (one is 3.1 miles, another is 1.2 miles)
- Boat ramps for launching your boat
- A dock for easy access to the water
- A fishing pier for catching fish
- A playground for kids to enjoy
Learn About History
- Civil War museum: Learn about the fort's past and see artifacts.
Special Events at the Park
The park hosts several events throughout the year that bring history to life.
- 4th of July Barbecue, Picnic, and Craft Show (in July)
- Fort tours: Guides share stories about the fort's history.
- Labor Day and Winter Musters: These events often feature reenactments and demonstrations.
- Super Sundays: Special programs and activities on select Sundays.
Images for kids
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Sign at the entrance of the park
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Historical markers a few miles away
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A Sherman necktie, a twisted railroad track
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Munitions at Fort McAllister, GA, US.US.jpg
Some munitions on display in the museum
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Captured Fort McAllister flag
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Flag of the Emmett Rifles
More to Explore
- Battle of Fort McAllister (1863)
- Battle of Fort McAllister (1864)
- Battle of Fort Pulaski
- National Register of Historic Places in Bryan County, Georgia
Find Out More
- Fort McAllister Historic Park
