Fort King George State Historic Site

Fort King George State Historic Site Fort King George is the oldest fort in Georgia, established by the English in 1721. The Fort is Operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

This is the official page for Fort King George State Historic Site, operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks and Historic Sites. www.gastateparks.org 1-800-864-7275. This is the oldest English fort on what is now Georgia's coast. From 1721 until 1736, Fort King George was the southern outpost of the British Empire in North America. A cypress blockho

use, 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. Structures include a blockhouse, officers' quarters, barracks, a guardhouse, moat, and palisades. 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 many fort buildings, remains of three sawmills and tabby ruins are still visible. This site is on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail. TERMS OF USE: We appreciate hearing from our community. Comments and photos of Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites are welcome. Moderation of comments is governed by Board of Natural Resources Rule 391-1-10. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources may remove comments not related to the topic of the social media post. Additionally, the Department may delete comments that contain profanity. A comment will not be edited or modified to remove unacceptable content. If a portion of the comment violates Rule 391-1-10, then the entire comment will be deleted.

Tomorrow, we're inviting y'all to make a wreath for your mother! Our little arts and crafts session starts at 2pm and on...
05/09/2026

Tomorrow, we're inviting y'all to make a wreath for your mother! Our little arts and crafts session starts at 2pm and only costs $5 for materials. Surprise your loved one with a hand-made gift!

May 16th at 10am, we're hosting Dr. Aaron Ellrich from the Coastal GA Historical Society. Dr. Ellrich will present the a...
05/07/2026

May 16th at 10am, we're hosting Dr. Aaron Ellrich from the Coastal GA Historical Society. Dr. Ellrich will present the archaeology of the American Revolution! Free for those attending the talk.

May is Georgia Archaeology Month! Tomorrow at 10am and 3pm, meet with a ranger outside the Guale roundhouse to talk nati...
05/07/2026

May is Georgia Archaeology Month! Tomorrow at 10am and 3pm, meet with a ranger outside the Guale roundhouse to talk native tea and history!

Stop in anytime between 1pm and 4pm to make a cyanotype with a ranger! Enjoy a spot of lemonade while you wait for the m...
04/23/2026

Stop in anytime between 1pm and 4pm to make a cyanotype with a ranger! Enjoy a spot of lemonade while you wait for the magic to happen!

Our Earth Week programming today is PACKED! Beyond the Fort, our history contains 19th century sawmilling on the lower b...
04/21/2026

Our Earth Week programming today is PACKED! Beyond the Fort, our history contains 19th century sawmilling on the lower bluff. Site Manager Michael Putnam loves talking these tools!

Did you know cyanotyping was invented as an alternative to photography? Come find out and make your own anytime between ...
04/21/2026

Did you know cyanotyping was invented as an alternative to photography? Come find out and make your own anytime between 1pm and 4pm April 23rd! Materials are all provided as a programming fee separate from admission rates. Developing your cyanotype in the sun will take at least one hour--a perfect opportunity to explore the fort in the meantime!

Our Earth Week programming starts tomorrow! This beautiful walk will discuss the history of William Bartram and his cont...
04/18/2026

Our Earth Week programming starts tomorrow! This beautiful walk will discuss the history of William Bartram and his contributions to botany and natural history. Together, we'll read excerpts from his book, "Bartram's Travels," and explore the same paths and finds!🦅🌳🍄🌼

04/18/2026

The Fort is open and accessible off of HWY 99 and Pine Street. Have a fun and safe time during Darien's Blessing of the Fleet Festival!

Come out and enjoy a walk & sip through time this Sunday, April 22nd at 10am! Learn the history of the peoples who calle...
04/17/2026

Come out and enjoy a walk & sip through time this Sunday, April 22nd at 10am! Learn the history of the peoples who called the Altamaha coast their home while drinking the teas they created.

Address

302 McIntosh Road
Darien, GA
31305

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(912) 437-4770

Website

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