Fort King George, Georgia's first colonial British garrison, is located
at the mouth of the Altamaha River and contains the brick ruins of an early
sawmill operation and a small graveyard. Established in 1721 to resist
the expansion of French and Spanish interests, the fort was, at that time,
the southernmost outpost of the British Empire in North America. The fort
was destroyed by fire in 1726 and rebuilt the following year. The surviving
portions of the first sawmill are significant and offer rare examples of
early colonial industry in Georgia. A museum interprets the history of
the area, including the early occupation of the site by the Guale Indians.
The site also includes an authentic reconstructed frontier blockhouse which
provides visitors excellent views over the marshes of the Altamaha River.
VISITATION
Highest in March, April, October, November; lowest in January.
LOCATION
McIntosh Co., Darien, GA
ADDRESS
Fort King George Historic Site
P. O. Box 711
Darien, GA 31305
TELEPHONE
(912) 437-4770
OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS
Tuesday - Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; closed
Monday (except legal holidays). Closed Tuesday when open Monday.
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING
Summers are hot and humid. Winters are mild and normally pleasant. Recommend
light clothing April to November. Inspect repellent recommended in spring,
summer and fall.
DIRECTIONS
Fort King George is located 1½ miles east of U. S. 17 in Darien,
Ga. From I-95, get off at exit 10 and head south on U.S. 17 for approximately
3 miles into downtown Darien. Follow signs to the park.
This map was created using MapQuest
TRANSPORTATION
In Park: Personal vehicles, bicycles, bike trail and rack.
FEES, COST, RATES
Adult $2.00, child (ages 6- 18) $1.00, 5 years and under free.
Group rates (more than 15 in number):
educational $.75 bus driver and teacher free;
organized group $1.50, bus driver and group leader free.
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Visitors Center/Exhibits:
Information Center, Gift Shop, Museum, Exhibits on Guale Indians, European
Power Conflict (1720's), Building of Fort King George, Fort King George
Garrison, Highlanders of Darien and Sawmill/Rafting Period Exhibit.
Trails, Roadways:
Altamaha Byway (fort included as part of this roadway).
Programs, Activities:
Living history program for all groups. Cannon firings on select weekends
(crew and weather permitting), nature walks, canoe excursions, special
programs and reenactments throughout the year.
Lodging and Camping Facilities:
None on site. A variety of camping and lodging facilities available
in the area.
Food, Supplies:
Local restaurants are within 1½ miles of site.
Other Concessions, Park-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:
None.
Accessibility:
Office, museum, visitors center and audio-visual room accessible.
Specials Needs:
Golf cart available for visitors who can't walk grounds.
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE
Visit museum and view exhibits, audio-visual program. Take self-guided
walking tour of fort, reconstructed fort and blockhouse, nature trail and
boardwalk.
RESERVATIONS/PERMITS
Reservations for all groups should be made at least two weeks in advance.
BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS
Allow one to two hours for complete tour, audio-visual program and museum.
SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS
March - Spring Encampment
April - Darien in Flames
July - Cannons Across the Marsh; Fort King George 1721-1727
October - The Fort by Candlelight
November - Fall Encampment
ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS
Sapelo Island; Hofwyl-Broadfield
Plantation; Historic Darien, Fort
Frederica, Jekyll Island
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Fort King George
P. O. Box 711
Darien, Ga 31305
(912) 437-4770
Georgia
State Parks WWW Site
