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

Not sure about what RV accessories you need as you start RV travel? Check out our RV Accessories page where we have listed a wide range of products from essential items to those “nice to have” RV products to make RV life more enjoyable. Every item listed is being used or has been used by Joan and I as we’ve traveled across the country in our RV.
 

Receive the latest updates from I Love RV Life! Sign up to receive an email notification as we post new RV travels, RV tips and information about RV life in general. It’s simple. Just enter your name and email address on the right side of the page and click subscribe.

Purchased use of Digital Juice BackTraxx 1 End User License Agreement for Travelin. The Music may be used, altered, or incorporated according to the guidelines described herein into any production (including but not limited to, broadcast, commercial, industrial, educational, and personal).