Fort McAllister Historic State Park

Along I-95 in South Georgia lies a hidden gem just out of view from the interstate. Fort McAllister Historic State Park is located just off of the Atlantic Coast on the Great Ogeechee River, a short drive south from Savannah. This historic state park holds the remains of the best-preserved Confederate mud earthworks in the entire United States. It was attacked seven times leading up to General Sherman's "March to Sea", all times repelling the advancing Union soldiers. Even under constant bombardment from ironclads, the fort remained unbroken.

It was not until Sherman's great campaign, did the fortification finally fall. On December 13, 1864 General Sherman ordered Maj. General Otis Howard's Army of the Tennessee to attack. Brig. General William B. Hazen was chosen to lead the attack. His 4,000 man division stormed the fort while Sherman and Howard observed from a nearby observation platform that was built on an old sugar mill. With the help of bombardments from the Union Navy, Hazen overwhelmed the fortifications and seized the port. Sherman now had his sea lane open for supplies, securing the defeat of the Confederacy.

Today, Fort McAllister Historic State Park is home to giant oak trees, gorgeous salt marshes, a civil war museum with exhibits and artifacts, a fantastic campground and all of the fun outdoor activities you can do at the many Georgia's state parks.

One of the biggest draws to the park is the fort. Many of the artifacts found at the park have been here since the Civil War. Cannons, a bombproof and the original mud and sand earthworks are still here for all to see and bear witness to one of the bloodiest times in America's past. Interpretative displays, artifacts, video presentations and a gift shop are all decorated to resemble a Confederate bombproof.

But don't come for a visit to Fort McAllister Historic State Park and just see the fort. Stay overnight, bring your boat and enjoy some of South Georgia's best camping. A boat ramp at the park provides guests with easy access to the Great Ogeechee River and the Atlantic Ocean, allowing you to enjoy a day out on the water followed by an evening of campfires and sleeping bags.

Several camping options are available from backcountry, primitive campsites to a modern full-facility tent and RV campground. Prices range from $9 to $27 for overnight stays. Best of all, you don't have to "Rough It" to enjoy Fort McAllister Historic State Park. Three cottages are available for $125 a night and you can even bring your dog for just $40 more.

For information on directions to the park, hours of operations or reservations, visit the official Georgia state park website here.