FIRST - Fort in Georgia - Darien, GA
N 31° 21.864 W 081° 24.946
17R E 460459 N 3470062
Fort King George, the first fort in Georgia was built in 1721. Today, it has been restored as part of a State Historic Site. It is located at 1600 Wayne St in Darien, GA.
Waymark Code: WM55QZ
Location: Georgia, United States
Date Posted: 11/15/2008
Views: 10
The sign at the entrance of the park reads:
"Short Walk to Georgia's First Fort - 1721"
The historical marker in the park reads:
"Site of old Fort King George, built in 1721 by Col. John Barnwell, of South Carolina, under British Royal orders. This tiny cypress blockhouse, 26 feet square, with 3 floors, and a lookout in the gable from which the guard could watch over the Inland Waterway and St. Simon's Island, was flanked by officers quarters and barracks, and the entire area was surrounded on all but the river side by a moat and palisades. Garrisoned by his Majesty's Independent Company, with replacements of Colony scouts, the fort was occupied for six years. During that time more than 140 officers and soldiers lost their lives here and were buried on the adjacent bluff. The first of the British 18th century scheme of posts built to counteract French expansion in America, Fort King George was also a flagrant trespass upon Spanish territory, and during its occupation Spain continually demanded that it be destroyed.
The troops were withdrawn to Port Royal in 1727, but until Oglethorpe arrived in Savannah in 1733 South Carolina kept two lookouts at old Fort King George."
Admission is $5.00 for adults and $2.50 for children (6-18). Hours are 9-5 Tuesday-Saturday.
FIRST - Classification Variable: Place or Location
Date of FIRST: 01/01/1721
More Information - Web URL: [Web Link]
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