Discover Georgia's NPS Fort King George

Discover Georgia's NPS Fort King George - Georgia's first colonial British garrison, is located at the mouth of the Altamaha river and contains the brick ruins of its early sawmill operation and a small graveyard. Established in 1721 to stop French and Spanish expansion, the fort was the southernmost outpost of the British Empire in North America. Stay and Play in GA!

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Fort King George Structure

The fort was destroyed by fire in 1726 and rebuilt the following year. The surviving portions of the first sawmill are significant and rare examples of early colonial industry in Georgia. A museum interprets the history of the area, including the early occupation of the site by the Guale Indians. The site also includes a reconstructed blockhouse.

History

From 1721-1736, Fort King George was the southern outpost of the British Empire in N America.

A cypress blockhouse, barracks and palisaded earthen fort were constructed in 1721 by scoutmen led by Colonel John "Tuscarora Jack" Barnwell.

For the next seven years, His Majesty's Independent Company garrisoned the fort. They endured incredible hardships from disease, threats of Spanish and Indian attacks, and the harsh, unfamiliar coastal environment. After the fort was abandoned, General James Oglethorpe brought Scottish Highlanders to the site in 1736. The settlement, called Darien, eventually became a foremost export center of lumber until 1925.

Using old records and drawings, this 18th century frontier fortification on the Altamaha River has been reconstructed for public tours. Structures include a blockhouse, officers' quarters, barracks, a guardhouse, moat and palisades.

A museum and film cover the Guale Indians, the Santo Domingo de Talaje mission, Fort King George, the Scots of Darien and 19th century sawmilling when Darien became a major seaport. In addition to the many fort buildings, remains of three sawmills and tabby ruins are still visible. This site is on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail.

Hours & Fees

Hours: Open Tuesday-Saturday 9 am - 5 pm, Sunday 2-5:30 pm - Closed Monday (except holidays), Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Closed Tuesday when open on Monday.
Admission: Adults $5, Children $2.50, Seniors $4.50
Group tours available for adults and youths that consist of 15 or more people. Reservations required at least one week in advance. Group tours consist of a one-hour living history presentation on a soldier's life and a weapons demonstration. Group rate: $3.50 per adult or $2 per child. Picnic area and bus parking available.

Phones & Locations

Phone: 912-437-4770 - Location: 1600 Wayne St., Darien, GA 31305

Directions

In Darien, 3 miles east of I-95 exit #49.