Fort Pulaski National Monument

Fort Pulaski National Monument protects a 19th-century masonry coastal fort on Cockspur Island near the mouth of the Savannah River in Georgia. Construction began in 1829 and the fort was completed in the mid-19th century.

The site presents the fort’s brick casemates, parade ground and moat, with interpretive panels and exhibits that explain coastal fortification design and Civil War operations. Outdoor trails and overlooks provide views of the surrounding tidal marshes and birdlife.

Built as part of the United States’ Third System of coastal defenses, the fort was completed before the Civil War and was captured by Union forces in April 1862 after a bombardment that highlighted the power of rifled artillery. It later passed to federal protection and was designated for preservation in the 20th century.

Located on Cockspur Island near Tybee Island, the monument sits at the entrance to the Savannah River about a short drive east of downtown Savannah, with vehicle access from the nearby mainland.

• Why it's notable: The fort was the site of a notable 1862 Union siege that demonstrated the effectiveness of rifled artillery against masonry fortifications.

What to See #

• Fort structure: The fort itself is a 19th-century masonry sea fort with casemates, powder magazines and a surrounding moat that illustrate coastal defensive design of the period.
• Visitor center and grounds: A visitor center and interpretive trails around Cockspur Island provide context on the 1862 siege and the surrounding salt marsh habitat.