Fort Pulaski

Just outside of Savannah, GA is the Fort Pulaski National Monument, which is strangely appears to be run by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security (the website states that it is indeed run by the National Parks Service). This confusion is clearly part of the Northern aggression that plagues the South today. I'm not sure how they survive it.

When walking around the placid grounds, you would never suspect that savage battles took place here. Many Americans died to protect and win this fort.

As you walk towards the main entrance, you find evidence of a much less peaceful time.

Union troops bombarded the fort prior to taking it from Confederate hands. The wall was breached on April 10-11, 1862. The United States government describes the event this way:

The defining events of Fort Pulaski occurred during the American Civil War. In April of 1862, Union troops directed rifled cannon fire at the fort breaching the southeast angle. The quick success of this experimental cannon surprised military strategists. The accuracy and range of the rifled cannon rendered brick fortifications obsolete. Immediately after capturing the fort, Union Major General David Hunter, an ardent abolitionist, ordered the release of area slaves. Many were recruited into the Union army comprising the First South Carolina Colored Regiment.

Now, Yankees and Confederates alike may easily walk into the structure.

The fort would make a fine hotel.

Underground, weapons of war like gunpowder were stored.

On display at the fort are various different cannons. This was high technology for its time.

The technology of war for the time is quite impressive. These particular cannons, located inside the perimeter of the fort, were at a low angle, seemingly used to shoot at opposing soldiers walking near it.

While the cannons were heavy, they worked on a turret and were balanced so that one or two people could move them. This made aiming possible with little effort.

Cannons were all over the place. There's a photo of me protecting the fort. I'm quite busy.

This is a 4.5 inch Blakely rifle, part of the original Confederate armament of Fort Pulaski.

Cannons are strategically placed all over the top floor of the fort. It must have been a very difficult place to take.

Some of the guns are damaged from the Civil War, likely during the same bombardment that took down one of the exterior walls. Like all forms of weapons of war, it was eventually defeated by superior technology and tactics.

Ft. Pulaski is a great place to walk around and a fun way to learn about American history.

RELATED LINKS:
The history of Ft. Pulaski