An official website of the State of Georgia.
Kick off the summer with an adventure and head up the coast of Georgia to visit some of the most historically enriching sites the Peach State has to offer.
Located within driving distance from one another and each immensely unique, these State Historic Sites are full of remarkable structures and educational artifacts. This excursion offers not only an in-depth look into decisive moments in the country’s past, but also allows visitors to interact with and admire the picturesque scenery surrounding Georgia’s coastal forts.
Days of operation vary, so be sure to check GaStateParks.org before planning the next family adventure.
Fort King George State Historic Site
Starting on I-95 near Jacksonville, FL., begin the historical adventure with a visit to Fort King George, the oldest English fort remaining on Georgia’s coast. Located in Darien, Ga. - just 18.6 miles away from Brunswick - Fort King George State Historic Site is rich in history and European culture. The fort was built in 1721 and served as the southern outpost for the British Empire. The settlement transitioned into a booming lumber export center for the colonial empire on the shores of the Altamaha River until 1925. Since then, it has been reconstructed using old records and drawings.
While spending time here, explore fort buildings, remains of three sawmills and the tabby ruins. Relax with a stroll on the nature trail and take a snack break in the picnic area. Before touring the grounds, be sure to stop by the on-site museum for a short informational film on the Native Americans of the area and the changing role of the fort over time.
For a detailed list of events, facility offerings, nearby attractions and things to do while visiting, visit GaStateParks.org/FortKingGeorge.
Historic Site Address:
302 McIntosh Road SE
Darien, GA 31305
McIntosh County
912-437-4770
Admission: $4.50 – $7.50
GaStateParks.org/FortKingGeorge
Fort Morris State Historic Site
Proceed to I-95 north toward Midway and continue the exploration of Georgia’s coastal forts with a trip to Fort Morris State Historic Site, a site with an intrinsic and memorable role in America’s fight for freedom. In 1776, Fort Morris State Historic Site – located just 37.4 miles north from Fort King George – became an important source of fortification for the patriots after the Continental Congress discussed needed protection for their growing seaport. Two hundred patriots secured this low bluff from the British when they demanded a surrender on Nov. 25, 1778, to which Col. John McIntosh responded with the famous quote, “Come and take it!”
Today, visitors can explore the 67 acres of land rich in American history Thursday-Saturday between the hours of 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. By standing within the earthwork remains, guests can admire the scenery surrounding Saint Catherine’s Sound. Take in the comprehensive history of this patriotic site at the museum and watch the short film for a more detailed description of all that Fort Morris State Historic Site has to offer.
For a detailed list of events, facility offerings, nearby attractions and things to do while visiting visit GaStateParks.org/FortMorris.
Historic Site Address:
2559 Fort Morris Road
Midway, GA 31320
Liberty County
912-884-5999
Admission: $3.00 - $4.50
GaStateParks.org/FortMorris
Fort McAllister State Park
Just a bit further north, the next destination on the coastal forts excursion awaits. Fort McAllister State Park is the most well-preserved earthwork remain of the Confederacy. Located south of Savannah on the bank of the Ogeechee River – just 29.4 miles from Fort Morris State Historic Site - this fort remains an important historical landmark of the Civil War. Although it was attacked seven times by Union Ironclads, it did not fall until 1864 during General Sherman’s infamous “March to the Sea.”
Today, visitors can enrich themselves in the fort’s fascinating history at the Civil War Museum, which boasts several impressive artifacts as well as cannons, a hot shot furnace, bombproof barracks, palisades and more. Take in the 1,725 acres of giant live oak trees, Spanish moss and salt marshes that surround the rental cabins near the fort. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is a wonderful spot that offers options for camping by Redbird Creek, fishing off the on-site dock and boating across the Ogeechee River.
For a detailed list of events, programs and tours, facility offerings, accommodations, nearby attractions and things to do while visiting, visit GaStateParks.org/FortMcAllister.
State Park Address:
3894 Fort McAllister Road
Richmond Hill, GA 31324
Bryan County
912-727-2339
Admission: $5.00 - $9.00
GaStateParks.org/FortMcAllister
Wormsloe State Historic Site
Finish off the tour of these coastal forts with a drive on US-17 north to Savannah to Wormsloe State Historic Site to see the oldest tabby ruins in the city. Located in Savannah, Ga. – just 27 miles from Fort McAllister – this impressive colonial estate belonged to Noble Jones, a carpenter who arrived in 1773 with James Oglethorpe and the first group of settlers from England. Descendants of Jones sustained the estate for nearly 200 years until the state of Georgia acquired the plantation site in 1973.
Experience the era of colonial life by interacting with costumed demonstrators on the interpretive nature trail or venturing into the museum of artifacts. Enjoy the picnic area and take in the natural beauty that surrounds the site. Depending on the day of the week and time of year, a variety of themed events and activities are available to participate in while visiting this destination, such as “Colonial Faire and Muster” and “Tools and Skills that Built a Colony.”
For a detailed list of events, facility offerings, nearby attractions and things to do while visiting visit GaStateParks.org/Wormsloe.
Historic Site Address:
7601 Skidaway Road
Savannah, GA 31406
Chatham County
912-353-3023
Admission: $2.00 - $10.00
GaStateParks.org/Wormsloe
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About Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites are affordable destinations for vacations and quick getaways. Waterfalls and lakes, salt marsh and mountains are just some of the beautiful environments of the state parks. Georgia State Park Golf Courses offer the best variety and value around. With eight golf courses to choose from, each features natural settings and picturesque surroundings, as well as fun and challenging play. Most state parks offer fishing, boating, hiking, camping, geocaching, birding and more. Accommodations include campsites, cabins, lodges, even yurts, and vary by park. Among the Georgia State Historic Sites are presidential homes, ancient Indian mounds, battlefields, plantations and even a gold museum. Georgia’s public libraries have ParkPasses and Historic Site Passes that can be checked out like a book.
Media Contact:
Brianna Reid
breid@pineapple-pr.com
404-237-3761
