Fort King George Historic Site – Darien GA
If you have been following our travels, you know we enjoy visiting historical sites. We like to find places off the beaten path and enjoy sharing the sites with others. And the older, the better. That was the case with our recent tour of Fort King George Historical Site located in Darien, GA on the edge of the Altamaha River. Manned from 1721 to 1736, this is the oldest English fort remaining on the Georgia coast. General Oglethorpe brought Scottish Highlanders to the fort in 1736 and named the settlement Darien. Darien mean protector and was Oglethorpe’s plan to add protection to the southern Georgia coast.
The early inhabitants
Walking through the fort, we were able to visit a reconstruction of the British fort as it may have existed in in the early 1700’s. Using records from this period to reconstruct the site, we found a blockhouse, officer’s quarter, barracks and more. The buildings are open to walk through providing a view into what life may have been for those who lived in the garrison at this time.
Nature trails
Leaving the garrisoned walls, we followed the nature trail along the marshes. The trailed offered spectacular views of the marshes. Along the trail, we found a recreation of a Scottish Highlanders’ home. Nearing the end of the trail, we discovered the tabby ruins of three sawmills that operated on the site during the 1800’s. We finished out visit near the entrance. Walking along the edge of the marsh and under ancient, Spanish moss filled live oak trees, we came upon a small cemetery where over 150 British soldiers were laid to rest. Peaceful surroundings, but further proof of the harsh living conditions experienced in the early 1700s.
As you travel along I-95 and just minutes from exit 49, take a few hours to visit this unique view of life in the earlier 1700’s. Also treat yourself to some of the local restaurants. Our favorites are Skippers Fish Camp and Mudcat Charlies, both offering the freshest local seafood. And stay a couple days. Inland Harbor RV Park is just off exit 49. The local folks are very welcoming, the atmosphere is laid back and enjoy seeing the sites and local cuisine.
Additional information:
Fort King George Historic Site – Darien GA – https://gastateparks.org/FortKingGeorge
Guale Indians – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guale
James Oglethorpe – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Oglethorpe
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