Fort Pulaski Fun

   
Fort Pulaski National Monument is located along the Savannah River midway between Savannah and Tybee Island. The Park is made up of a 5400 acre tract of tidal marshes and mud flats as well as Cockspur and McQueens Islands. The fort covers nine acres and has a circumference of 1580 feet, with walls standing at 32 feet high. An estimated 25 million bricks were used to construct the Fort.
Construction on Fort Pulaski, ordered by President James Madison, began in 1829 as part of a plan to strengthen coastal fortifications against foreign invasion. The project was originally started under the direction of Major General Babcock and then passed to (then) Second Lieutenant Robert E. Lee. It was named for Casimir Pulaski, a Polish solder who fought in the American Revolution under George Washington. Pulaski took part in the sieges of Charleston and of Savannah and was named the “Father of the American Cavalry.”

It took 18 years of construction and nearly $1 million to build the Fort, which was completed in 1847. At the time, Fort Pulaski was considered invincible. However, during the Civil War, Union General David Hunter was able to secure the surrender of the Fort after only 30 hours of bombardment by federal James Rifled cannons and Parrott rifles. The rifled projectiles could be accurately fired farther than the larger cannonballs used by the Fort.  So, the Union was able to fire volleys that hit Fort Pulaski from a distance that was too far away for the Pulaski soldiers to return fire.

Today Fort Pulaski offers the activities you’d expect at a National Park, including hiking, biking, bird watching, and fishing (with a license). There are nature trails galore. However, kids especially just have a great time running over the fort, checking out the cannon, and listening to a soldier who gives a show and tell (as well as firing) of Civil War era rifles.

The Fort is filled with displays showing how the soldiers lived.  The collections will thrill any history lover.  The vistas and details of the Fort will thrill the photographers.  Park rangers are available for periodic tours throughout the day to talk about the interesting elements of the Fort, such as dike system designed by Lee.  If you’re lucky, they’ll fire the cannons as well!  It’s a great place for spending an entire day of exploring, hiking, taking pictures and learning about American history.  And it won’t cost you a dime!
       
     

The Bare Bones about Bonaventure

     

Bonaventure Cemetery is one of the most tranquil tourist destinations in Savannah, GA.   Of course, that assumes you aren’t bothered by ghosts.  Bonaventure, French for “good fortune,” was originally part of John Mullryne’s Bonaventure plantation, dating to the mid-1800’s.  The cemetery was purchased by the City of Savannah in 1907 and was made public.  Located on the Wilmington River in east Savannah, Bonaventure is a must-see for anyone interested in Savannah’s past.

 The Savannah landmark is on the US  National Register of Historic Places, but did not realize fame until the 1994 novel (and later movie) of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt.  The Bird Girl monument featured on the book cover became such a draw to tourists that the statue was donated and moved to the Telfair Museum of Art to prevent its disappearance in the night. 

Bonaventure was famous to locals long before “the Book” was published.  The cemetery is home to a myriad of recognizable habitants, including politicians, actors, civil war officers, authors, and songwriters.  Perhaps the most well-known Bonaventure residents are Conrad Aiken and Johnny Mercer.  Conrad Aiken was a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winner.  Aiken, born in Savannah near the turn of the century, came home to live after his parents’ tragic murder-suicide.  Johnny Mercer, a Savannah native, was one of the country’s most prolific songwriters, garnering four Academy Award winning Best Songs.  One of those, “Moon River,” describes another Savannah landmark.

Even if visitors aren’t impressed with the credentials of the residents, there is no doubt they appreciate the eerie beauty of Bonaventure.  Stately oaks and scores of lovely monuments grace the cemetery.  The Bonaventure Historical Society hosts guided walking tours on every second Sunday afternoon.  The tour is a great way to stroll through history and learn about one of the iconic spots that makes Savannah a destination for anyone who loves learning about the past, honing photographic skills, or simply having a gorgeous backdrop for a little exercise.

For more information about Savannah and surrounding area, contact me at VickieLinscott@gmail.com.