Fort McAllister State Historic Park is located at:

10 miles east of I-95, Exit 90 on Spur 144
Richmond Hill, GA
Voice: 912-727-2339
Web Site: www.gastateparks.org

Fort McAllister State Historic Park showcases a Confederate earthwork fortification. The Fort was made from mounds of dirt and sand. The earthen walls proved to be better equipped to absorb the impact of heavier artillery projectiles.

During the Civil War, the fort was erected to help protect Savannah and the Ogeechee River as well as the railroad bridge and local plantations. The stronghold withstood seven major Union Naval attacks which included use of the Union's largest guns.

After an attack the fort would be repaired simply by building the earthen mounds back up. The soldiers and slaves from nearby plantations would have any damage repaired in a matter of days. This proved much more efficient and effective than brick and mortar forts that would take months to repair.

Fort McAllister finally fell in 1864 to Union General Sherman. this marked the end of Sherman's March to the Sea.

Today, a visit to this park brings you to one of the best preserved earthwork fortifications. Restoration began in the late 1930's by Henry Ford when he purchased the site. Restoration continued on through the years and is now a Georgia State Park.

KAT'S VIEW

I went to Fort McAllister. This fort was very cheap to build and repair. It had a spiked barricade. The fort was made up almost entirely of soil, mud, clay, and leaves, plus a little timber from surrounding trees. The fort was very easy to repair. When it got damaged they scooped the dirt back into place. The fort was the best place I went today.