Grounded on the Ogeechee River stands Fort McAllister. This Confederate earthwork fort played a crucial role in defending Savannah during the American Civil War. Fort McAllister was the southernmost fort defending Savannah. It faced many battles during the war.
Fort McAllister’s story begins in 1861. Confederate forces built it at Genesis Point on Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Longworth McAllister’s plantation. The fort protected Savannah’s southern flank from the U.S. Navy. It also defended rice plantations and a vital railroad bridge.
Captain John McCrady designed the fort. General Robert E. Lee inspected it and suggested improvements. McCrady strengthened the earthen walls. These walls proved better at withstanding artillery fire than brick forts. Fort McAllister had seven cannon emplacements. A bombproof area housed essential facilities. These included a hospital, supply area, barracks and gunpowder storage. A large mortar remained outside to prevent the fort from shaking when fired.
The fort endured seven attacks by ships over two years. It withstood them with minimal damage and few casualties. Union ironclad monitors bombarded Fort McAllister in 1863. The earth absorbed the shells minimizing damage. The fort’s cannons struck the ironclads but caused little harm.
The CSS Nashville sought refuge near Fort McAllister in early 1863. Union gunboats fired upon it setting it ablaze. The Confederate vessel was completely destroyed.
General William T. Sherman’s troops reached Fort McAllister in December 1864. General William B. Hazen’s infantry division attacked the fort. Major George Wayne Anderson and his 230 troops defended it. The Union forces quickly overpowered the fort’s defenders. This victory opened Savannah’s back door to Sherman’s forces.
During the evening after the fort fell General Hazen invited General Sherman to dinner. Major Anderson was also invited. The men discussed tactics. Sherman was upset about the use of land mines and forced Anderson to clear them.
After the war Fort McAllister fell into ruin. In the late 1930s Henry Ford bought and began restoring the property. The International Paper Company gave it to Georgia in 1958. The Georgia Historical Commission continued the restoration.
Today Fort McAllister is beautifully restored. You can explore the grounds and visit the museum. The bunkhouse and hospital in the underground bunker are particularly haunting. Imagine soldiers lying on those bunks.
Fort McAllister stands as a testament to Civil War history. Its well-preserved earthworks and strategic location tell a compelling story. As you walk these grounds reflect on the battles fought and the lives affected. Fort McAllister offers a unique glimpse into a pivotal time in American history.