Fort King George State Historic Site

Fort King George is the oldest English fort remaining on Georgia’s coast, in Darien. It was the first English fortification on the coast of what is now Georgia. From 1721 to 1727, Fort King George served as the southernmost outpost of the British Empire in North America. A cypress blockhouse, 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.

Featured Birds

Bald Eagle

Brown Thrasher

Little Blue Heron

Using old records and drawings, this 18th century frontier fortification on the Altamaha River has been reconstructed for public tours. 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.