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Fort Morris to turn back the clock this weekend
Re-enactors prepare to fire off Thor, the big cannon at Fort Morris Historic Site. The 66-acre earthenwork fort will host demonstrations Saturday of life during the Colonial era of the United States. Photo provided

History will come alive Saturday, September 5 at Fort Morris Historic Site with spinning, blacksmithing, woodworking, and more — plus black-powder weapon demonstrations on the hour.

Regular admission prices are $5 for adults ages 18-61, $3.75 for those 62 and older, $3.50 for youth ages 6-17 and $1.50 for children ages 6 and under.

Fort Morris Historic Site consists of 66 acres along the Medway River near the former port of Sunbury. When the Continental Congress convened in 1776, the delegates recognized the importance of a fort to protect their growing seaport from the British. Soon afterwards, a low bluff on the Medway River at Sunbury was fortified and garrisoned by 200 patriots.

When the British demanded the fort’s surrender on November 25, 1778, the defiant Col. John McIntosh replied, “Come and take it!” The British refused and withdrew back to Florida. Forty-five days later, they returned with a superior force, and on January 9, 1779, Fort Morris fell after a short but heavy bombardment.

Under the name of Fort Defiance, this bulwark was once again used against the British during the War of 1812, and Sunbury’s harbor was guarded by armed barges. Today, visitors can stand within the earthwork remains and view scenic Saint Catherines Sound. A museum and film describe the colonial port of Sunbury and the site’s history.

Visitors may borrow binoculars and a field guide to go birding. Downy woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers, goldfinches, wood storks, painted buntings, great egrets and many other coastal species can be seen.

For more information, call Fort Morris Historic Site at 912884-5999.

Fort McAllister State Park will celebrate Labor Day weekend with a special day of living history on Saturday, September 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can step back into the Civil War era as living historians bring the fort to life with musket demonstrations, period games, medical displays, and other hands-on activities.

Watermelon will be served as families enjoy a relaxed day exploring one of Georgia’s best-preserved Civil War earthwork fortifications.

Regular admission prices range from $5.50 to $9.75. A Georgia State ParkPass is not required with paid admission.

  • Children ages 6-17: $5.50
  • Seniors: $7.50
  • Adults: $9.75 Children ages 5 and under are free. Visit www.GaState-Parks.org/FortMcAllister or call the fort at 912-727-2339 for additional information.

Located close to I-95 south of Savannah on the banks of the Ogeechee River, the park showcases the best-preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy. The earthworks were attacked seven times by Union ironclads but did not fall until 1864 — ending General William T. Sherman’s “March to the Sea.” Visitors can explore the grounds with cannons, a hot shot furnace, bombproof barracks, palisades and more, while a Civil War museum contains artifacts, a video and gift shop.

Seven cabins sit on stilts near the marsh, surrounded by palm trees and palmettos. The shaded campground is bordered by tidal Redbird Creek, a boat ramp, fishing dock and nature trail. A large picnic area offers river views and playgrounds, while another boat ramp provides access to the Ogeechee River.

For more information, visit gastateparks.org/FortMcAllister.