Are you and your family seeking to explore history like never before? Look no further!

Located on Cockspur Island between Savannah and Tybee Island, Georgia, the Fort Pulaski National Monument has one of the best-preserved nineteenth-century masonry fortifications in the United States. A well restored and preserved piece of American history, it was also the site of a major artillery duel during the Civil War that saw the first major use of rifled artillery in battle.

Explore History

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On this day in 1861, the 48th New York Volunteer Infantry was organized in Brooklyn. From May 1862-June 1863, the regiment was garrisoned at Fort Pulaski. A photographer captured this photo of the regimental band in 1863. The band is long gone, but they left behind evidence of their presence that can still be seen today. Have you ever noticed this painting above one of the embrasures in Fort Pulaski? Painted during the Civil War, it reads “HQ, Drum Corps, 48 R NYVI” (Headquarters, Drum Corps, 48th Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry). . . . . . . #hiddenhistory #fortpulaski #civilwar #americancivilwar #ushistory #thenandnow #band #findyourpark #explore #travel #wanderlust #andthebandplayedon #artinthepark #onthisday #savannah #georgia #photography #newyorkstateofmind #brooklyn #newyork

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There are a number of activities to explore during your trip, including an artillery demonstration that immerses visitors into the sights and sounds of conflict. Visitors can tour the fortress, see living historians bringing the past to life, or peer across 5000 acres of pristine saltwater marsh.

Outdoor Activities

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It’s World Wetlands’ Day! . We realize our name leads people to assume we’re “just” a fort, but Fort Pulaski National Monument is so much more… . In addition to our (awesome) fort, we also protect over 5,000 acres of primeval tidal salt marsh—accessible only by water, it retains almost the same characteristics now as it did thousands of years ago! . So if you didn’t realize what you’ve been missing, grab a kayak, put it in at our Lazaretto Creek boat ramp, and paddle the day away on the monument’s McQueen’s Island…but remember to Leave No Trace! . (And please stay off the Cockspur Island Lighthouse Island. It’s still closed for preservation and the human impact on the island is hurting our beloved little lighthouse.) #FindYourPark #fortpulaski #worldwetlandsday #savannah #tybee #kayaking #optoutside #lighthouse #cockspurlighthouse #preservation #conservation #explore #georgia #kayak #getoutside #travel #water #marsh #nationalmonument #protect #publiclands

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Good news- you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy the excitement of Fort Pulaski National Monument. Whatever your interest is, sight­seeing, hiking, kayaking, bicycling, exploring, history, nature study, or pho­tography, you will find Fort Pulaski National Monument like no other place. Fishing is allowed along the banks of the Savannah River and pets are welcome on the grounds.

Nature Trails

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring several nature trails throughout Fort Pulaski National Monument. McQueens Island Rails to Trails Located on McQueens Island at the entrance to Fort Pulaski National Monument, this six-mile trail follows the path of the old Tybee rail line that once connected Savannah to the beaches of Tybee Island. The packed-gravel trail is open to bikers, runners, and walkers. 

Guided Tours

If you prefer to explore the monument in the company of a trained guide, take a tour. Guided fort tours last 45-60 minutes and meet at the entrance to Fort Pulaski. Ranger programs cover a variety of topics and last 20-30 minutes. Inquire at the Visitor Contact Station for program locations.

With miles of trails, visitors have the opportunity to trade the history lessons for a glimpse of present-day beauty.

Bookstore

Before your departure, meander over to the bookstore, where a percentage of all purchases made helps fund projects and operations at Fort Pulaski National Monument as well as other sites.