Q: I remember visiting a fort-like structure on Georgia’s coast several years ago, but can’t think of its name. It was built during the colonial era. Can you find its name and tell me more about it.
A: There are plenty of forts along Georgia's coast, but you're referring to Fort King George, which was hazardous duty for British soldiers in colonial Georgia in the early 18th century. That's because there weren't any seafood restaurants in those days, but plenty of hostile Native Americans to go with threat of Spanish attacks, severe heat and humidity, and worst of all, all kinds of new diseases.
Fort King George was built in 1721 and was considered the most Southern point of British territory in North America until it burned in 1726. It was abandoned in 1732 and stayed that way until Gen. James Oglethorpe stationed Scottish Highlanders in that critical location on Altamaha River four years later. They helped found Darien, which soon grew into one of the premier lumber centers in the U.S.
The fort fell into disuse at some point, but several structures — including the blockhouse, officers’ quarters, barracks, a guardhouse, moat and palisades – have been rebuilt and are part of the state parks system. The Fort King George Historic Site is about 3 miles east of Interstate 95, at exit 49.
Information: 912-437-4770
If you’re into the coast’s military past, also check out Fort Pulaski, Fort Frederica or Old Fort Jackson, among others that helped defend Georgia through the centuries.
Revisiting Clairemont/Clairmont
Becky Smith, whose family has lived in Decatur for three generations, e-mailed to pass along a story about the Clairemont/Clairmont mystery I wrote about two weeks ago.
She wrote: “… My father worked as a guide at the history center in the old courthouse on the square after his retirement. He passed away a few years ago, but always told me that the county had made a mistake when producing the Clairemont Road street signs outside the city limits, and once it was discovered, refused to replace them due to the cost.”
If you have additional information about Clairmont/Clairemont, send me an email.
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