Old Fort Jackson is located at

1 Fort Jackson Road
Savannah, GA 31404
Voice: 912-232-3945
Web Site: www.chsgeorgia.org

Old Fort Jackson began as an earthen fort during the Revolutionary War. It was abandoned due to sickness. Then in 1808 construction began of a brick construction. It was named in honor of James Jackson, a Revolutionary War officer and later Governor of Georgia.

During the War of 1812, American troops were stationed here, however they saw no action. Then between 1845 and 1860, the fort was enlarged and strengthened.

Finally during the Civil War, Fort Jackson saw action. The fort was used as headquarters of river defenses for the Confederate forces. Eight additional fortifications were built along the Savannah River. General Robert E. Lee visited Fort Jackson while overseeing this construction.

Today, the fort houses a museum with many displays depicting the different stages of this fort and the types of military weapons and uniform of the different periods. There are eleven types of cannon and artifacts from the CSS Georgia, an ironclad ship that was scuttled during evacuation by Confederate forces of Fort Jackson. There are current plans to raise the CSS Georgia and house it at the History Museum.

KAT'S VIEW