Fort James Jackson

Fort James Jackson

Named for Revolutionary War patriot James Jackson, this fort was constructed in 1808 as part of President Thomas Jefferson's Second System Coastal Defense initiative.

                                                                                                            

Located on the Savannah River, it's three miles east of the city. This brick fort was constructed over an old earthen battery from the Revolutionary War which had been called "Mud Fort." Soldiers were stationed at Fort James Jackson to guard Savannah during the War of 1812. 

At the start of the Civil War, Confederate units occupied the fort which was the headquarters for the defense of the river following the fall of Fort Pulaski.

General William Sherman took control of the fort after his March to the Sea.

The last American soldiers to be stationed at Fort Jackson were members of the 55th Massachusetts, an African- American unit of the Federal Army.

The fort was abandoned in 1905, reopened in 1965 as a maritime museum but closed again 10 years later. At that time, the newly formed nonprofit Coastal Heritage Society approached the State seeking permission to re-open and operate the site, which was granted. The historic site was now referred to as Old Fort Jackson. 

           

Situated on the Savannah River, visitors don't need to worry about the Union Army attacking from the water but they can watch as container ships and other large vessels make their way to and from the Port of Savannah

There are several Volunteers show how the cannons are fired and conduct live firings a couple times a day.

Visitors can also wander about the fort and immerse themselves in educational exhibits and artifacts to try and get an idea of what life would have been like living at Fort Jackson and protecting the city of Savannah.