The Cockspur Island Lighthouse still stands guard over the south channel of the Savannah River and Fort Pulaski.
For much of the 19th century, masonry fortifications were the United States’ main defense against overseas enemies. However, during the Civil War, new technology proved its superiority over these forts. Using rifled cannons, the U.S. Army compelled the Confederate garrison inside Fort Pulaski to surrender. The siege was a landmark experiment in the history of military science and invention.
Fort Pulaski National Monument will reopen Tuesday October 1 2024 following Hurricane Helene. Park staff completed an assessment of the park’s facilities and resources on Friday September 27 and found minimal damage, but an extended utilities outage across the park resulted in a multi-day closure.
As Tropical Storm Helene approaches the coast, Fort Pulaski National Monument will close on Wednesday September 25, 2024, to finish safety and property preparations. The park Entrance Station and Fort Pulaski will close at 11:30 AM, and park grounds will close at 12:00 PM.
Fort Pulaski National Monument will celebrate 100 years as a National Monument with a free weekend of special programs, addresses, and performances on October 12-13, 2024.