Candlelantern: A Savannah Tradition

Date: November 4, 2013
Contact: Gloria Lee, [phone] Ext 104

Fort Pulaski Sets Dates for Candlelantern

Reservation period begins November 3rd.

Fort Pulaski will commemorate the Confederate Nog party of 1861 on Friday, December 13, 2013, and Saturday, December 14, 2013. The long-lived Savannah tradition will continue this year with night-time tours of the historic fort by candlelight and oil lamps.

The original party, held at Christmas time in 1861, gave the Confederate garrison at Fort Pulaski a respite from the tension of impending battle. The fort casemates, armed with cannons, were decorated with holiday garlands. As one soldier commented, tables groaned under the weight of fine delicacies sent down from the city. With song and good cheer, the men celebrated a light-hearted moment as the dark clouds of war gathered over Savannah.

Visitors will have the unique experience of a guided tour of the fort by moonlight. Hot cider and cookies, music, caroling and night-time weapons firings will allow visitors to re-live the festive occasion.
 
Advance reservations are required for this year’s event. The park will begin taking reservations on Sunday, November 3, 2013. Reservations can be made in person or by phone at [phone], extension 109. The cost of the program is $5 per adult. Children 15 and under are free, but reservations must also be made for children.
 
Fort Pulaski National Monument is located on U.S. Highway 80, 15 miles east of Savannah. Learn more at www.nps.gov/fopu and visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/FortPulaskiNPS and Twitter www.twitter.com/FortPulaskiNPS. 

 
- NPS -