Fort Pulaski National Monument

For much of the 19th century, masonry fortifications were the United States’ main defense against overseas enemies. However, during the Civil War, new technology proved its superiority over these forts. Using rifled cannons, the U.S. Army compelled the Confederate garrison inside Fort Pulaski to surrender. The siege was a landmark experiment in the history of military science and invention.

The Battered Walls of Fort Pulaski

A walk along the outside of Fort Pulaski reveals damaged walls over 150 years after the Civil War.

The red masonry walls of Fort Pulaski still show battle damage over 150 years later.

The Casemates of a Fort

Fort Pulaski shows off its classic arched architecture and cannon.

The brick of the fort glow in the late afternoon light. The arches inside the fort reveal a cannon i

The Cockspur Island Lighthouse

The Cockspur Island Lighthouse still stands guard over the south channel of the Savannah River and Fort Pulaski.

The white masonry Cockspur Island lighthouse sits in the Savannah River.

The Sentinel

A great blue heron stands on the top of Fort Pulaski like a lonely sentinel.

A great blue heron stands watch on top of the fort's brick walls.

The Ladies of a Fort

Volunteer living historians play an important role for the National Park Service and Fort Pulaski National Monument.

Two women dressed in mid nineteenth century civilian attire watch through looking glasses

Night Cannon Firing at Fort Pulaski

Artillery demonstrations are an important part of the interpretation program at Fort Pulaski.

The night sky is illuminated as a cannon fires at Fort Pulaski