The Second Fort McAllister Civil War Battle

A cannon on the earthworks at Fort McAllister State Historic Park, Georgia

Photo: Jud McCranie, CC BY-SA 3.0

As Sherman's troops approached Savannah they sorely required supplies.

Continued Battle Description and Results

Sherman determined that if he could take Fort McAllister, supply ships could reach him. Thus, he ordered Maj. Gen. O.O. Howard, commander of his right wing, to take the fort. Howard chose Brig. Gen. William B. Hazen to accomplish the task.

Hazen, in the afternoon of December 13, had his men in line for the attack. Upon giving the order to attack, his men rushed forward through the various obstacles prepared for them, entered the fort, and captured it. With his supply line open, Sherman could now prepare for the siege and capture of Savannah.

Results: Union victory

General Information

Location: Bryan County

Campaign: Savannah Campaign (1864)

Date: December 13, 1864

Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. William B. Hazen [US]; Maj. George A. Anderson [CS]

Forces Engaged: 2nd Division, XV Corps, Army of the Tennessee [US]; Fort McAllister Garrison (120 men) [CS]

Estimated Casualties: 205 total (US 134; CS 71)


Visiting the Site Today
Capturing Fort McAllister in December 1864 opened a supply line to Sherman's army and effectively sealed Savannah's fate, leading to the city's surrender less than two weeks later. The fort's earthworks and the ditch its attackers crossed are preserved today at Fort McAllister State Historic Park, one of the best-preserved Confederate earthworks in the South.