Fort King George Historic Site

Originally settled in 1721 by English Colonel Jack Barnwell, Fort King George was Great Britain's southernmost outpost in the new world. Known as "Tuscarora Jack", he and his scoutmen would garrison the post for seven years, enduring insane hardships of disease, famine and Native American attacks. The men lived in cypress barracks on an unfamiliar and deadly coastline until the fort was abandoned.

By 1736, General James Oglethorpe brought a band of Scottish highlanders here to settle the area. The settlers were the Scots of Darien and quickly built a settlement of the same name. Darien served as a major outpost for lumber up until the late 1920's. The town still exists to this day.

The Georgia state park system has reconstructed the fort as it once was in the 18^th century. Using old maps and records of the fortifications, park employees built a blockhouse, barracks, officer's quarters, a guardhouse, moat and palisades. This living history museum offers guests a glimpse at the way life was during these tough and trying times of early American history.

Guests can expect to see park rangers dressed in period clothing, performing a variety of tasks that were required in the daily life at Fort King George. A one hour tour displays artifacts, explains fortification defenses and a live firing of weapons makes for a perfect ending to the adventure.

A museum at Fort King George Historic Site allows guests to hear the story of the neighboring Guale Indians and their connection to the fort. A film covers the history of the fort from the Natives Americans to the Spanish missions to the Scots of Darien to it becoming a major seaport. Additional interpretive displays, artifacts and maps provide visitors with the unique history of Fort King George Historic Site.

Once you've explored the fort, take a hike on the parks nature trails and discover the remains of an old tabby mill and three sawmills. Enjoy scenic views of the Altamaha River from the trails bluffs. Outdoor exhibits along the trail tell the tales of the historical remains found along the trail.

But the adventure doesn't have to end there. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the visitor's center and gift shop. Explore the amazing scenery on the Altamaha River and the backwaters of the Georgia coast.

Prices are $5 per adult and $3.50 for kids. Seniors get in for jus t$4.50. The price is well worth the adventure at Fort King George Historic Site.

For more information on directions to the park, hours of operation and group tour reservations, visit the official Georgia state park website here.