Fort Pulaski National Monument Park

Website: https://www.nps.gov/fopu

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.

Fort Pulaski National Monument sits on Cockspur Island east of Savannah. By car it’s reached from downtown Savannah via US-80 (Victory Drive) heading east; turn onto Fort Pulaski Road to the park entrance. The drive is roughly 15-20 miles (about 20-30 minutes) depending on traffic; on-site parking is available.

Public transit options are limited; if using regional bus services to Tybee Island or Savannah, confirm seasonal schedules and then expect a short taxi or rideshare from the nearest stop to the Fort.

• Arrive at opening in spring-fall or early morning in summer to avoid midday heat and larger tour groups; mornings also make it easier to join ranger-led programs if available.
• Use the visitor center parking and entrance as your starting point - the center has displays that orient you to the fort and walks to the walls and casemates begin nearby.
• Be sure to walk the fort's exterior walls and look for the Civil War-era breach from the 1862 bombardment and the exposed casemates - those are the most striking, often-photographed features many visitors linger at.