During our recent trip to Savannah, we spent a morning at Old Fort Jackson, an 1800s brick fort that defended the city from water attacks along the river. Fun fact: Old Fort Jackson is the oldest standing brick fortification in all of Georgia!
I completely missed this historic site during our first visit back in 2019, but I’m so glad I found it on this trip. It only takes about an hour to tour, including time for the rifle and cannon demonstrations, and it is full of fascinating information.
This is the perfect fort to visit if you’re interested in military history–particularly around the Civil War. It has a pretty cool story and offers a wonderful opportunity to get close to many 1800s military artifacts.
FAQs About Old Fort Jackson
Visiting
- What should I bring? You will definitely need water and sunscreen on a hot day, and a jacket on cold/rainy days. The fort offers little protection from the elements, outside of the small bunk and storage exhibits. I also recommend secure shoes for going up and down the stairs along the walls.
- How much does it cost? $9 per adult, $5 per child
- Is it pet-friendly? Yes! Leashed pets are welcome, although be aware that stairs and loud noises may be part of your visit.
- When is it open? The fort is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 4 pm, major holidays excluded.
Trivia
- How old is Fort Jackson? 209 years old! It was completed in 1812.
- Who built Old Fort Jackson? President Thomas Jefferson had it built to protect the coast.
- Where is Old Fort Jackson? It’s located right beside the Savannah River at 1 Fort Jackson Road
- Savannah, GA 31404
Brief History of Old Fort Jackson
Fort Jackson was completed in 1812 as part of President Thomas Jefferson’s coastal defense project and named after James Jackson, a patriot of the Revolutionary War. It was a tiny fort, but it had a great position along the Savannah River. Almost immediately, the fort defended Savannah during the War of 1812.
The fort was expanded to include a moat, drawbridge, barracks, privies, a back wall, and an additional powder magazine when the war ended.
When the Civil War began, the Confederate army occupied the fort. Although it still wasn’t the most impressive fort, an ample supply of ammunition and cannon fodder kept the Union army at bay until 1864. The fort fell to General Sherman when he arrived in Savannah, and Union troops occupied it until the end of the war.
The last American soldiers to be stationed here was the 55th Massachusetts, an African-American unit from the Federal Army. In honor of them, Fort Jackson does presentations on their story throughout the year. Their sister unit, the 54th Massachusetts, received a lot of fame for their role in the Civil War, but the 55th did some amazing things, too! You can read about their history in this article if you’re interested.
What is There to Do at Old Fort Jackson?
See Historic Artifacts
Old Fort Jackson has tons of cool military artifacts to check out! Under a covered walkway in the courtyard, cases hold everything from medical supplies to guns to hardtack! Each item has a description so you can learn what it was used for.
Inside the fort’s walls, you can also see items like munition and food stores (the “essence of peaches” made me laugh).
Check Out the Artillery
Old Fort Jackson has quite the collection of cannons on site. Even if you don’t know how to tell them apart, it’s interesting to see the different sizes and how they’re loaded.
Watch a Presentation
Fort volunteers in 1800s military apparel perform daily programs on life at Fort Jackson, as well as cannon firings at 11 am and 2 pm. I highly recommend catching at least one of these shows!
Through this 15-minute presentation, you’ll learn all sorts of things, including:
- Why the soldiers wore wool uniforms in the Savannah heat
- The role of music in military life
- How soldiers communicated within the fort and miles apart
- How to load a cannon and a standard-issued rifle
If you do attend a cannon firing presentation, be ready to cover your ears and hold onto any pets you may have brought with you.
Look for Fiddler Crabs
As you enter and exit the fort (both on the drawbridge and the boardwalk out back), look down to the muddy moat to see thousands of fiddler crabs scuttling below!
Imagine Life in the Barracks
A look into the barracks is honestly a little depressing. Soldiers took shifts sleeping in hard bunk beds in a white-washed brick room. If you got caught stealing or shirking duties, you’d spend some time in a gated room connected to the sleeping quarters–but the conditions were no worse than the regular barracks! The officers’ space was hardly better, with the privacy of a door and room for a desk and chair.
Walk the Grounds
There is quite a bit to see just on the grounds of Old Fort Jackson.
Outside the walls, there is a pier on the Savannah River, an old rice field, and a boardwalk out the back. All offer lovely views of the river.
Inside the walls, the central courtyard is a wide-open space, but there’s plenty to see along the walls. Check out the blacksmith shop, look out the little gun and cannon window slots, and check out the different parts of the fortifications.
Thanks for checking out this post on Old Fort Jackson! I hope I answered all your questions about visiting. But if not, feel free to drop them below in the comment section.
If you would take a second to save this post to Pinterest and share it with some friends, it would mean the world to me! I appreciate each share as it helps the blog grow!
Finally, if you haven’t joined the Mandala Traveler community yet, what are you waiting for? My email subscribers get weekly notifications about new posts, exclusive discounts on travel gear, and free downloads!
Sign Up for Updates from Carried Away Travels
If you’re currently planning a trip to Savannah, don’t miss these other posts on maximizing your time in the city:
Headed to Savannah, GA? Check Out….
- How To Spend A Perfect (& Pet-friendly) Weekend In Savannah
- How to Explore Savannah, GA for $10: A One-Day Itinerary!
- What to See on Skidaway Island’s Most Popular Trail
Take care out there and happy travels!
Ready for More? Check Out These Recent Posts!
- 11 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Iceland
- My Top 12 Travel Tools For Saving Time & Money
- Dublin Exploration Hack: Big Bus Tours
- The Best 5-Day Colorado Itinerary
- How to Maximize Your Next Workcation: Top Tips
- Whale-Watching In Virginia Beach: An Epic Winter Tour!
Make Vacation Planning Easier
Download my Vacation Planner or Travel Blogger’s Planner today!
