Revolutionary War Barracks and Fortifications GHM 025-9
Posted by: Markerman62
N 32° 04.444 W 081° 05.586
17S E 491213 N 3548649
In the plaza area of the Hilton in downtown Savannah.
Waymark Code: WMNR42
Location: Georgia, United States
Date Posted: 04/22/2015
Views: 4
During the American Revolution the Military barracks which were located a short distance south of Savannah stood near here. Around this site heavy fighting took place in 1778 and 1779.
When Savannah was attacked by the British on December 29, 1778 a small contingent of Georgia militia was stationed East of the barracks, Col. George Walton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was severely wounded near here while attempting to rally his militia following a successful flanking movement by Sir Jas. Baird's Light Infantry around the right of the Continental line.
During the siege of Savannah in 1779 by French and American forces the brick barracks were dismantled by the British defenders who left standing only the lower portion of the South Wall. Under the direction of the famous British military engineer, Capt. James Moncrief, the remains of the barracks were converted into a strong fortification, known as a hornwork, which dominated the center of the Royalist lines around Savannah.
In 1834 the Federal Governor built military barracks, known as the Oglethorpe Barracks on this site. They were razed in 1889 when the DeSoto Hotel was erected.
In 1965 the DeSoto Hotel was razed to make way for the DeSoto Hilton Hotel and the main office of the Citizens and Southern National Bank.
Type of Marker: Building
Marker #: 025-9
Date: 1952
Sponsor: Georgia Historical Commission
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Visit Instructions:
Take a picture of the marker, yourself at the marker, your gps at the marker, or anything specific to the text on the marker. And don't forget to enjoy your visit.