An official website of the State of Georgia.
Did you know that in addition to hiking trails, rivers, lakes and mountains, Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites are home to several remnants of forts and earthworks that date back as early as the 17th century? Here, history doesn’t just live on plaques and markers in these locations, it literally comes alive with re-enactments and special events throughout the year. In honor of Veterans Day on November 11, here are five Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites to visit that highlight the history of Georgia’s earliest battles. Find more about Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites’ history at GaStateParks.org/History.
Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Historic Site - GaStateParks.org/PickettsMillBattlefield
In May 1864, the Confederate troops at Pickett’s Mill fought for victory of the battlefield against the Federal Army, resulting in a week-delay of the Federal advance on Atlanta. Today, the Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Historic Site is one of the best-preserved Civil War battlefields in the nation. Travel roads used by Federal and Confederate troops, see earthworks and walk through the same ravine where hundreds died. One of two original cannons used during this battle is now on display in the museum, on loan from Atlanta History Center. Stay overnight nearby at Red Top Mountain State Park’s cabins or campground.
Fort King George Historic Site - GaStateParks.org/FortKingGeorge
Tour the oldest English fort remaining on Georgia's coast at Fort King George, which was the southern outpost of the British Empire in North America from 1721 until 1736. The on-site museum offers a film detailing the 18th and 19th- century history of Fort King George, including Guale Indians, the Santo Domingo de Talaje mission, Fort King George, the Scots of Darien and 19th century sawmilling.
Fort Morris Historic Site - GaStateParks.org/FortMorris
In the late 1700s, the Continental Congress fortified barracks on the Medway River at Sunbury to protect the seaport from the British. When the British demanded the fort’s surrender on November 25, 1778, the defiant Col. John McIntosh replied, “Come and take it!” The British refused and withdrew back to Florida, but 45 days later, they returned with a superior force, and on January 9, 1779, Fort Morris fell after a short but heavy bombardment. Stand within the earthwork remains and view scenic Saint Catherine’s Sound. A museum and film describe the colonial port of Sunbury and the site’s history.
Fort McAllister State Park - GaStateParks.org/FortMcAllister
Located south of Savannah on the banks of the Ogeechee River, Fort McAllister State Park showcases the best-preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy. Despite being attacked seven times by Union ironclads, the fort didn’t fall until 1864—ending General William T. Sherman’s “March to the Sea.” Explore the cannons, a furnace, bombproof, barracks, palisades and other remains of the battlefield, and admire artifacts in the Civil War museum. This scenic state park includes cabins, camping, walking trails, and fishing piers.
Georgia Veteran’s State Park - GaStateParks.org/GeorgiaVeterans
For U.S. Veterans, Georgia Veteran’s State Park can’t be missed, as it was established as a memorial specifically to them. Visit the park’s museum that features armored vehicles, uniforms, weapons, medals, and other items from the Revolutionary War through the Gulf War—including the Boeing B-29A aircraft.
Special events for Veterans Day:
On Veterans Day, all vets can play golf for free at any of the eight State Park Golf Courses
- Arrowhead Pointe at Richard B. Russell
- Brazell's Creek at Gordonia-Alatamaha
- Georgia Veterans Memorial at Lake Blackshear
- Highland Walk at Victoria Bryant
- Meadow Links at George T. Bagby
- The Creek at Hard Labor Creek
- The Lakes at Laura S. Walker
- Wallace Adams at Little Ocmulgee
Veterans Day Guided Tour at Roosevelt's Little White House Historic Site
Monday, Nov 11, 2019 (9:30 AM to 11 AM & 2 PM to 3:30 PM)
Celebrate Veterans Day with a guided tour of the Little White House. Join the staff historian for a 90-minute guided tour of the Memorial Museum, grounds and historic site at 9:30 a.m. Reservations are required.
Admission: $20
Event Phone: 706-655-5870
Event Address: 401 Little White House Road Warm Springs, GA 31830
Veteran's Appreciation Day at Hardman Farm Historic Site
Monday, Nov 11, 2019 (10 AM to 4 PM)
In honor of Veterans Day, Hardman Farm will be inviting all veterans, military service members and their families to enjoy free admission to Hardman Farm on Monday, November 11th, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Our last hourly guided tour of the Mansion will begin at 3:00 p.m. Military ID is required, and each tour is limited to 25 guests. Tours are on the hour beginning at 10 AM and the last tour begins at 3 PM.
Event Phone: 706-878-1077
Event Address: 143 Highway 17 Sautee Nacoochee, GA United States 30571
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