Fort Pulaski National Monument

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.
Map showing location of park.
The red masonry walls of Fort Pulaski still show battle damage over 150 years later.
Photo by NPS Photo / Joel Cadoff
The brick of the fort glow in the late afternoon light. The arches inside the fort reveal a cannon i
Photo by NPS Photo / Joel Cadoff
The white masonry Cockspur Island lighthouse sits in the Savannah River.
Photo by NPS Photo / Joel Cadoff
A great blue heron stands watch on top of the fort's brick walls.
Photo by NPS Photo / Joel Cadoff
Two women dressed in mid nineteenth century civilian attire watch through looking glasses
Photo by NPS Photo / Joel Cadoff
The night sky is illuminated as a cannon fires at Fort Pulaski
Photo by NPS Photo / Joel Cadoff