Fort McAllister / The Assault from the Rear Plaque

Who would have thought a simple earthen fort could withstand so many attacks? Fort McAllister, a seemingly humble structure, defied the Union navy not once, not twice, but seven times. Here at Fort McAllister State Historic Park, we stand before a monument to this resilience. Fort McAllister was more than just dirt and timber. It was a symbol of Confederate defiance, guarding the vital port of Savannah. Captain John McCrady designed the fort, and even General Robert E. Lee himself inspected it in 1861, suggesting improvements to bolster its strength. These earthworks became a formidable obstacle, absorbing the impact of cannon fire and shrugging off naval bombardments. In 1863, the Union ironclads, including the mighty Montauk with its colossal 15-inch guns, unleashed their fury. They pounded Fort McAllister for hours, but the fort stood firm. The defenders simply repaired the damage and prepared for the next attack. The fort even witnessed the sinking of the Confederate ship CSS Nashville in the Ogeechee River just offshore. However, Fort McAllister’s destiny changed in December 1864. General Sherman, on his relentless March to the Sea, set his sights on the fort. He needed to secure a supply line to the waiting fleet. He chose General Hazen’s division to lead the assault. As the sun began to set, 4,000 Union soldiers emerged from the woods and charged. The Confederate defenders, outnumbered and outgunned, fought bravely under Major George Wayne Anderson, but they couldn’t hold back the tide. After a fierce but brief 15-minute struggle, Fort McAllister fell. Sherman’s victory paved the way for the capture of Savannah, a pivotal moment in the final stages of the war. Today, as you explore Fort McAllister, imagine the thunder of cannons, the cries of soldiers, and the tension that gripped this place. This isn’t just an old fort. It’s a testament to human ingenuity, resilience, and the enduring power of history.