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Trip Planner:   USA  /  Georgia  /  Georgia Coast  /  Tybee Island  /  Fort Pulaski National Monument

Fort Pulaski National Monument, Tybee Island

4.8
#2 of 44 in Things to do in Tybee Island
Historic Walking Area · Monument
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The location of the first rifled cannon test, Fort Pulaski National Monument was an important site in the American Civil War. The success of the cannon test rendered brick forts obsolete. The Union army asked Colonel Charles H. Olmstead, commander of the Confederate garrison, to surrender before using the cannon. They hoped he would accept and prevent needless loss of life. The colonel refused to surrender, and the Union army pummeled the fort in a siege that lasted only one day. This fort was mainly used as a prisoner-of-war camp because of its isolation on Cockspur Island surrounded by a moat. You'll find sleeping quarters and rooms where the colonel signed his surrender preserved inside the fort. Fort Pulaski National Monument is just one of the many highlights you can arrange to see using our , world travel planner Edition.
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Fort Pulaski National Monument reviews

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TripAdvisor
  • I was really amazed with the history of the fort’s role in the civil war. I got a real history lesson on the the battle the occurred there between the Union Army and the Confederacy 
    I was really amazed with the history of the fort’s role in the civil war. I got a real history lesson on the the battle the occurred there between the Union Army and the Confederacy  more »
  • We always make sure to visit the fort while on Tybee. History and the engineering that went into building it amazes me. 
    We always make sure to visit the fort while on Tybee. History and the engineering that went into building it amazes me.  more »
Google
  • I go to a lot of these old forts and this one was AWESOME! Starting off, the young lady at the little booth at the entrance was polite, efficient, and cheerful. The parking lot is paved, well laid out, and as close to the fort and visitor's center as could be expected. The restrooms were clean and included a water fountain with a bottle filling feature. They also had bowls nearby for dogs. The visitor's center was small but informative. The moat around the fort was well kept. The water was clear enough to see lots of fish swimming around. The fort itself was also well kept. Both levels had things to see and there were boards posted all over the place giving information about the construction of the fort, uses of various rooms/ areas, historical information as to people who lived and worked there and nearby as well as events that happened there. I love the old brickwork and the arches. There are also some trails on the premises. One leads to an observation point near an old lighthouse. You can't get to it though. Unless you really like lighthouses I wouldn't recommend the 1+ mile(?) walk out there.
  • This is an incredible fort with a ton to see. It helps if you have a national park pass as they do charge admission here. Once there go to the visitors center and you can see the great exhibits and get some advice from the rangers before heading out. The fort is a great place to explore with different exhibits throughout. After that you can take other trails around the grounds all of which are wonderful. Great place for everyone.

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