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.
A smiling man, in a green and gray NPS uniform, stands in front of a tree.
Fort Pulaski National Monument Welcomes James Crutchfield as Superintendent
The National Park Service has selected James Crutchfield as the new superintendent of Fort Pulaski National Monument.
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
A cannon, surrounded by volunteers in federal uniforms, fires and releases smoke at Fort Pulaski
Photo by NPS Photo/Volunteer M. Dickson