When the Continental Congress convened in 1776, the delegates recognized the importance of a fort to protect Georgia's coast from the British Navy. Soon afterwards, a low bluff on the Medway River at the seaport of Sunbury was fortified and garrisoned by 200 patriots. The fort protected Georgia against the British in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Today, visitors can stand within the earthwork remains and view scenic Saint Catherines Sound. A museum describes the colonial port of Sunbury and the military history of the site. This site has a long and interesting history. It was originally a Guale Indian village, closely tied to the settlements and Spanish missions on St. Catherines Island just 6 miles away. On February 21, 1734, Gen. James Oglethorpe held the first Masonic meeting in the colony of Georgia. The town of Sunbury was chartered in 1758, and Fort Morris was built in 1776. The fort was called Fort Defiance during the War of 1812.

Facilities

70 Acres 7 Picnic Sites Primitive Camping (reservations only) Nature Trail Visitors Center

Activities

• Birdwatching
• Historical Research

Pricing
subject to change - for current prices, contact the park office listed below

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

• Military Program (April)
• Revolutionary War Reenactment (October)
• Christmas 1776 (December)  

Nearby Attractions

• Fort McAllister State Historic Park
• Fort King George State Historic Site
• Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site
• Wormsloe State Historic Site
• Skidaway Island State Park
• Historic Midway, Ga.
• Fort Stewart Museum
• Savannah, Ga.
• Seabrook Village (African-American history)  

Contact Information

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

Directions

Located 7 miles east of I-95 exit #76 via Island Parkway and Fort Morris Road.