Fort Pulaski National Monument in Savannah is an American Civil War-era fort on Cockspur Island located between Savannah and Tybee Island. The fort is famous because in 1862 the Union Army successfully tested a rifled cannon in combat, making brick fortifications no longer useful. The fort was also used a prisoner of war camp for imprisoned Confederate officers during the American Civil War.
Visiting Fort Pulaski in Savannah
The national monument has a visitors’ center where you can learn about the history of the fort, including its construction and the famous battle for Fort Pulaski in April 1862. Inside there is a 20-minute film called “The Battle for Fort Pulaski” that talks about the early construction of the fort and its role in the Civil War. The film shows on the hour and half-hour daily from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. There are also restrooms, water fountains, and a bookstore inside the visitors’ center.
You can also take guided tours of the fort. Tours are held at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday – Friday and at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Activities at Fort Pulaski
Fort Pulaski National Monument - one of the top Savannah Historic Attractions – has one of the most active historic weapons programs. The park puts on musket rifle demonstrations each day and cannon demonstrations on the weekends. Employees of the park are trained on the proper way to load, fire, and clean the muskets and cannons so that visitors can see what these weapons were like.
Fort Pulaski also offers hiking and biking trails as well as bird watching, kayaking, and fishing. Fishing is allowed along the banks of the Savannah River, but you must have a State of Georgia fishing license.
Some of the more popular trails on Fort Pulaski include North Pier Trail, the Lighthouse Overlook Trail, the Historic Dike System, and McQueens Island Rails to Trails.
The North Pier Trail is only a quarter mile long, but it leads you through a scenic wooded area and passes through Fort Pulaski’s original construction village. The Lighthouse Overlook Trail is three-quarters of a mile long and offers the best views on the island of the Cockspur Lighthouse. It also has stunning views of the Savannah River and Tybee Island.
The Historic Dike System is a 2-mile loop that goes around the perimeter of Fort Pulaski. This trail also offers amazing views of the Savannah River and Tybee Island. McQueens Island Rails to Trails is the longest trail making it the best for biking. This 6-mile long trail follows the path of the old Tybee rail line that once connected Savannah to the beach.
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