Fort Pulaski National Monument


For much of the 19th century, masonry fortifications were the United States’ main defense against overseas enemies. However, during the Civil War, new technology proved its superiority to these forts. The Union army used rifled cannon and compelled the Confederate garrison inside Fort Pulaski to surrender. The siege was a landmark experiment in the history of military science and invention.

From Interstate I-95, take Exit 99 onto Interstate I-16 East (James L Gillis Memorial Hwy) for 7 miles. Take Exit 164A onto Interstate I-516 East toward US-80 East. Take Exit 3 (US-17 S/US-80 E) toward US-80 East. Turn left onto Ocean Highway, Ogeechee Rd (US-17 N, US-80 East). Bear right onto West Victory Drive (US-80 East). Continue on US-80 East for 13 miles. GPS Coordinates for Fort Pulaski National Monument: N32° 01.680 W080° 53.525

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  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Living History
  • Historic Weapons Demonstration
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits

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  • Climate Change
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  • Wetlands
  • Marshes

The Battered Walls of Fort Pulaski

The red masonry walls of Fort Pulaski still show battle damage over 150 years later.

A walk along the outside of Fort Pulaski reveals damaged walls over 150 years after the Civil War.

The Casemates of a Fort

The brick of the fort glow in the late afternoon light. The arches inside the fort reveal a cannon i

Fort Pulaski shows off its classic arched architecture and cannon.

The Cockspur Island Lighthouse

The white masonry Cockspur Island lighthouse sits in the Savannah River.

The Cockspur Island Lighthouse still stands guard over the south channel of the Savannah River and Fort Pulaski.

The Sentinel

A great blue heron stands watch on top of the fort's brick walls.

A great blue heron stands on the top of Fort Pulaski like a lonely sentinel.

The Ladies of a Fort

Two women dressed in mid nineteenth century civilian attire watch through looking glasses

Volunteer living historians play an important role for the National Park Service and Fort Pulaski National Monument.

Night Cannon Firing at Fort Pulaski

The night sky is illuminated as a cannon fires at Fort Pulaski

Artillery demonstrations are an important part of the interpretation program at Fort Pulaski.