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     Fort King George Historic Site

Historic Site (912) 437-4770

This is the oldest English fort remaining on Georgia's coast. From 1721 until 1736, Fort King George was the southern outpost of the British Empire in North America. A cypress blockhouse, barracks and palisaded earthen fort were constructed in 1721 by scoutmen led by Colonel John "Tuscarora Jack" Barnwell. For the next seven years, His Majesty's Independent Company garrisoned the fort. They endured incredible hardships from disease, threats of Spanish and Indian attacks, and the harsh, unfamiliar coastal environment. After the fort was abandoned, General James Oglethorpe brought Scottish Highlanders to the site in 1736. The settlement, called Darien, eventually became a foremost export center of lumber until 1925.

Using old records and drawings, this 18th century frontier fortification on the Altamaha River has been reconstructed for public tours. Structures include a blockhouse, officers' quarters, barracks, a guardhouse, moat and palisades. A museum and film cover the Guale Indians, the Santo Domingo de Talaje mission, Fort King George, the Scots of Darien and 19th century sawmilling when Darien became a major seaport. In addition to the many fort buildings, remains of three sawmills and tabby ruins are still visible. This site is on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail.

Hours:
  • Tuesday-Sunday 9AM-5PM
  • Closed Monday (except holidays), Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Closed Tuesday when open on Monday.

Teacher's Resource for Touring Historic Sites




Admission:
  • Adults $5, Children $2.50, Seniors $4.50
  • Group tours available for adults and youths that consist of 15 or more people. Reservations required at least one week in advance. Group tours consist of a one-hour living history presentation on a soldier's life and a weapons demonstration. Group rate: $3.50 per adult or $2 per child.
  • Picnic area and bus parking available.

FACILITIES:
  • Outdoor Exhibits
  • Museum and Film
  • Gift Shop
  • Nature Trail
  • Picnic Area
  • Bus Parking

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:

OTHER:


  Note: Fort King George Historic Site has no reservable facilities.  

Events
Cannons Across the Marsh
Saturday, Jul 4, 2009
Join the Garrison for a day of artillery drills, musket firings and soldier's life activities to honor Independence Day. Free watermelon and lemonade will be served.  $3.50-$5. (912) 437-4770.
Get Outdoors Georgia Cathead Creek Canoe Excursion
Saturday, Sep 19, 2009 10 AM
A 3 mile trip through the old rice canals with a variety of plants and wildlife.  (Intermediate)  $25.00 per person, All trips include canoes, paddles, and life jackets. Participants are responsible for their own food and other amenities. 912-437-4770.
Garrison Dinner
Saturday, Sep 26, 2009
Saturday, Sep 26, 2009
Join the Garrison as our British officers dispute with Spanish emissaries sent to protest the presence of Fort King George on the Altamaha River. An evening dinner and debate will take place. RSVP by September 16.  $30. (912) 437-4770.
Get Outdoors Georgia Cathead Creek to Darien Canoe Excursion
Saturday, Oct 3, 2009 9 AM
Explore old rice canals with a variety of plants and wildlife on this 8-mile trip into the town of Darien.  $25 includes canoe, paddles and life jackets. Participants are responsible for food. 912-437-4770.
The Debatable Land Autumn Encampment
Saturday, Nov 7, 2009
Saturday, Nov 7, 2009
A wide range of living history presentations will highlight various cultures and people that inhabited our region, long before Georgia was established in 1733. A battle reenactment will take place at 2 p.m.  $3.50-$5. (912) 437-4770.
A Colonial Christmas at Fort King George
Saturday, Dec 12, 2009
Join the garrison for a traditional dinner in the enlisted barracks and an evening of colonial-style Yule Tide jollification. RSVP by December 8.  $30 dinner. (912) 437-4770.

  Address/Directions
Fort King George Historic Site
1600 Wayne St
Darien , GA 31305

Located in Darien, 3 miles east of I-95 exit #49.

 
 
Make reservations using the options above or call 1-800-864-7275 (Monday-Friday, 8AM-8PM; Saturday-Sunday, 9AM-5PM EST).
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