Fort Pulaski National Monument

Fort Pulaski National Monument
Image credit: picture by Stabbur's Master licenced under Attribution-ShareAlike License.

Fort Pulaski National Monument is located on Cockspur Island, near Savannah, Georgia. It encompasses a total area of 5,623 acres and serves as a testament to the country's Civil War history. The fort itself was constructed between 1829 and 1847, with the purpose of protecting the city of Savannah.

During the Civil War, Fort Pulaski gained significance as the site of a crucial battle. In 1862, Union forces bombarded and eventually captured the fort, signaling a turning point in military technology. This victory showcased the effectiveness of rifled artillery, rendering traditional brick fortifications like Fort Pulaski obsolete.

Visitors to Fort Pulaski National Monument now have the opportunity to explore this historically rich site. The fort has been meticulously preserved and features guided tours that provide insight into its strategic importance and the events that unfolded during the Civil War. The fort's restored rooms offer a glimpse into military life during the 19th century.

In addition to touring the fort, visitors can enjoy recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching within the national monument. The Cockspur Island Lighthouse, located nearby, is another notable attraction. Built in 1856, it stands as a historic landmark and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

For those who seek more adventure, a short drive away from Fort Pulaski National Monument lies Tybee Island, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant atmosphere. Tybee Island offers opportunities for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and dolphin watching, making it an ideal destination to unwind after a historical excursion.

Fort Pulaski National Monument provides a remarkable tribute to the Civil War era and plays a vital role in preserving the cultural heritage of Georgia. With its historical significance, guided tours, and nearby attractions, it offers an immersive experience for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Location

Fort Pulaski National Monument is located on Cockspur Island, near Savannah, Georgia. This historical site is situated at the mouth of the Savannah River, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The monument is surrounded by stunning marshlands and tidal creeks, creating a unique and picturesque environment. With its strategic placement on a barrier island, Fort Pulaski offers visitors sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding coastal landscape. Its geographical location at the convergence of land, river, and sea not only adds to its natural beauty but also highlights its historical significance as a key defense fortification during the American Civil War.

Address & Contact

101 Fort Pulaski Road
Fort Pulaski Visitor Center
Savannah, GA 31410
Driving Directions
Phone: (912) 219-4233
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Fort Pulaski National Monument is in the months of March or November. In March, the average maximum temperature is 72°F and the average minimum temperature is 49°F. The average monthly precipitation is 2.7 inches. This timeframe offers pleasant weather conditions for outdoor activities.

Alternatively, November is also an ideal time to visit. The average maximum temperature in November is 70°F, with an average minimum temperature of 48°F. The average monthly precipitation is 2.4 inches. Similar to March, November provides suitable weather for outdoor activities.

Both of these months strike a balance between comfortable temperatures and manageable crowd sizes, making them ideal for a visit to Fort Pulaski National Monument.

Things to do and learn in Fort Pulaski National Monument

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Fort Pulaski National Monument are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Hiking Boating Fishing Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Living History Historic Weapons Demonstration Saltwater Fishing

Topics

Learn about these topics at Fort Pulaski National Monument: Animals Birds Architecture and Building Archeology Arts Transportation Cats (wild) Fish Tortoises and Turtles Trails Military US Army African American Heritage Photography Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Schools and Education Science, Technology and Innovation Climate Change Forests and Woodlands Wetlands American Revolution Forts Artillery Battlefields Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Civil War Marshes Social Movements Roads, Routes and Highways World War I Incarceration World War II Coasts, Islands and Atolls Engineering Enslavement Civil Rights Alligators or Crocodiles Maritime US Navy US Coast Guard Colonial/European Contact Conflicts Great Depression Coastal Defenses Lighthouses Jails and Prisons Abolition Movement

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Fort Pulaski Visitor Center

The Fort Pulaski Visitor Center is located next to the main visitor parking area and historic Fort Pulaski. Here you can watch the park film, check out a variety of exhibits about Fort Pulaski, and get park and program information for a wonderful visit to the national monument.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Fort Pulaski Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Fort Pulaski National Monument

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Fort Pulaski National Monument

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News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2025-11-21Fort Pulaski National Monument Hosts Candle Lantern Holiday Tours on December 12-13
Experience a unique visit during this annual festive event by exploring historic Fort Pulaski by candlelight, firelight, and oil lamps on December 12-13. More
2025-01-27Fort Pulaski National Monument Will Reopen Following Winter Weather
Fort Pulaski National Monument will reopen to the public on Monday January 27, 2025 following a winter weather closure. More
2025-01-21Fort Pulaski National Monument Closed For Winter Weather
Due to projected winter weather conditions, Fort Pulaski National Monument will close to the public on Tuesday January 21, 2025 at 12:00 PM. More
2025-01-10Fort Pulaski National Monument release a Finding of No Significant Impact for Development Concept Plan
Fort Pulaski National Monument finalized the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Development Concept Plan and Environmental Assessment on January 7, 2025. More
2024-12-21Fort Pulaski National Monument Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Day
During the 2024/2025 Holiday Season, Fort Pulaski National Monument will be closed on December 24 and 25, and January 1. More
2024-11-14Fort Pulaski National Monument to Delay Opening November 16-17, 2024
Due to projected tidal flooding along U.S. Highway 80, Fort Pulaski National Monument will delay opening on Saturday November 16 and Sunday November 17, 2024. More