Here on April 11, 1862, defense strategy changed worldwide when Union rifled cannon first overcame a masonry fortification after only 30 hours of bombardment. Named for Revolutionary War hero, Count Casimir Pulaski, Fort Pulaski took some 18 years to build and was the first military assignment for a young second lieutenant fresh from West Point - Robert E. Lee. This remarkably intact example of 19th century military architecture, with its estimated 25 million brick and 7.5 foot thick walls, is preserved for future generations by the National Park Service as a reminder of the elusiveness of invincibility.
Fort Pulaski National Monument was established by Presidential Proclamation on October 15, 1924. It contains 5,365 acres, including some of the most pristine and scenic marshland on the Georgia coast.
LOCATION: Savannah, Georgia
VISITATION in 1996:
372,506 people visited the park.
27,729, including 10,797 school children, attended over 700 ranger-led activities.
115,902 entered the visitor center.
8,700 attended 8 special events.
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 30757, U.S. Highway 80 East, Savannah, GA 31410-0757
TELEPHONE: (912)-786-5787
OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
Open everyday except Christmas Day, 8:30 AM until 5:15 PM. Hours may be extended in summer. Call for information.
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
Hot and humid in summer, mild to chilly and breezy in winter. Rainy periods throughout the year. Wear comfortable sportswear in season, with walking shoes. Insect repellant is strongly recommended.
DIRECTIONS:
BY CAR: Interstate highways 95 and 16 cross about 15 miles west of Savannah. From I-16, take U.S. Highway 80 East. Follow signs for Fort Pulaski, Tybee Island and beaches. Fort Pulaski National Monument entrance is approximately 15 miles east of Savannah on U.S. 80.
TRANSPORTATION:
To Park:
Bus: Greyhound Bus Lines serve Savannah. Taxi Service is available from the bus station to the park. Approximately 15 miles.
Air: Large airlines carriers operate in Savannah. Car rental is available at the airport, which is about 30 miles west of Fort Pulaski.
In park: Paved roads accessible by private car during normal operating hours.
FEES, COSTS, RATES:
Park Entrance Fee: $2.00 per person age 17 and older. Maximum $4.00 per immediate family. Golden Age, Eagle and Access Passports honored and available.
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center, Exhibits: A 17-minute film, "The Battle for Fort Pulaski," is shown on demand in the visitor center. Museum exhibits provide information on the history and significance of the fort. There is a bookstore located in the visitor center lobby managed by Eastern National Park and Monument Association.
A Curriculum Guide, based on State of Georgia standards, is availabe for teachers bringing school groups.
Fort Programs, Activities: Ranger led talks and demonstrations are presented in the fort daily during the summer and on weekends the rest of the year. Special talks may be available to school and other large groups by reservation throughout the year. Call for reservations.
Trails, Roads: Quarter-mile, self-guiding nature trail. Bicycles allowed on trails, except those leading to fort.
Lodging and Camping Facilities: Hotels and campgrounds are available on Tybee Island (4 miles east) and in Savannah (15 miles west).
Food, Supplies: Located on Tybee Island (4 miles east) and Wilmington Island (4 miles west).
Other Facilities and Opportunities:
Boat launching ramp. Fishing areas. Picnic area. Cockspur Island Lighthouse, built in 1857, accessible only by private boat.
Accessibility: Visitor Center exhibits, programs and parking are accessible. A tape tour is available, as well as printed transcripts of some audio programs. The fort (most of the lower level) is wheelchair accessible, as are the restrooms located there. There is one wheelchair accessible nature trail. The picnic area has accessible parking, tables and restrooms.
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES, PARK USE:
Self-guided tour of fort. Observing plants, wildflowers, wildlife and Savannah River shipping traffic. Hiking, biking, and picnicking in designated areas. Boating and fishing in the Savannah River, Lazaretto Creek and Oyster Creek.
For information on archeology, visit SEAC
RESERVATION, PERMITS:
Required daily permits for recreational, non-commercial shellfish harvesting in park waters are available free of charge at the visitor center during normal operating hours.
BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
Two hours are needed for a basic visit.
SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:
Encampments of troops, special programs and demonstrations are presented on various major holiday weekends. Call for details.
VISITOR IMPACT:
Information concerning closing of recreational shellfish harvesting areas available at the visitor center.
ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS: Tybee Island Lighthouse and Musuem. Savannah Historic District. Old Fort Jackson. Fort McCallister State Park.
Fort Pulaski National Monument is one of the sites featured in Along the Georgia/Florida Coast, a travel itinerary from the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places that explores America's past through visits to historic places.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Write to the park headquarters for more information, at Fort Pulaski National Monument, P.O. Box 30757, Savannah, GA 31410-0757 or call (912) 786-5787.
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