Fort McAllister

 Fort McAllister, located near Richmond Hill, Georgia, is a well-preserved Confederate earthwork fort built during the Civil War. Designed to protect Savannah and the Ogeechee River, it withstood multiple Union naval attacks due to its strong earthen defenses. However, in December 1864, during his famous “March to the Sea,” General William T. Sherman’s troops captured the fort in a swift land assault, opening the path to Savannah. Today, Fort McAllister is a state historic park, showcasing original earthworks, cannons, and a museum. It offers a glimpse into Civil War military engineering and the final chapters of Sherman’s campaign.

Fort McAllister was constructed between 1861 and 1862 by the Confederacy to defend Savannah, Georgia, from Union attacks, especially by sea. Instead of traditional brick or stone, it was built mainly from earth and sand, which absorbed artillery fire far better. Throughout the Civil War, Union ironclad ships repeatedly bombarded Fort McAllister, but the fort held strong each time, thanks to its clever design.

Its real test came in December 1864 during General Sherman’s "March to the Sea." After weeks of cutting through Georgia, Sherman needed access to supplies from the coast. His troops attacked Fort McAllister by land and quickly overran it, allowing Sherman to capture Savannah soon after.

TimeLine:

1861-1862: Fort McAllister is built by the Confederacy to defend the Ogeechee River and Savannah from Union attacks.

1862-1863: The fort successfully repels several Union naval attacks, including bombardments from ironclad warships.

Late 1864: General William T. Sherman’s "March to the Sea" cuts through Georgia, aiming for Savannah.

December 13, 1864: Union forces under Sherman assault and capture Fort McAllister in less than 15 minutes during a fierce land attack.

December 21, 1864: With Fort McAllister fallen and supply lines open, Sherman captures the city of Savannah.