From 1721 - 1736, Fort King George was the southern outpost of the British Empire in North America. A cypress blockhouse, barracks and palisaded earthen fort were constructed in 1721 by scoutmen led by Colonel John "Tuscarora Jack" Barnwell. For the next seven years, His Majesty's Independent Company garrisoned the fort. They endured incredible hardships from disease, threats of Spanish and Indian attacks, and the harsh, unfamiliar coastal environment. After the fort was abandoned, General James Oglethorpe brought Scottish Highlanders to the site in 1736. The settlement, called Darien, eventually became a foremost export center of lumber until 1925. Using old records and drawings, this 18th century frontier fortification on the Altamaha River has been reconstructed for public tours. A museum and film cover the Guale Indians, the Santo Domingo de Talaje mission, Fort King George, the Scots of Darien and 19th century sawmilling when Darien became a major seaport. In addition to the fort replica, remains of three sawmills and tabby ruins are still visible.

Annual Special Events
subject to change . . . also, see the Events Calendar

Historical Reenactments (Spring and Fall) Cannons Across the Marsh (July 4th) Candlelight Tour (October)

Nearby Attractions

• Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site
• Fort Morris State Historic Site
• Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve
• Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge
• Lewis Island Natural Area
• Georgia's Golden Isles,br> Historic District, Jekyll Island
• Coastal Museums
• Beaches
• Fort Frederica
• Magnolia Bluff Factory Shops
  

Contact Information

Fort King George State Historic Site
P. O. Box 711
Darien, GA 31305
912/437-4770

Open Tuesday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday 2 - 5:30 p.m.
Closed Monday (except legal holidays), Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Closed Tuesday when open Monday.
Small admission fee. Group rates available with advance notice.
Picnic tables and bus parking available.