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Fort Pulaski National Monument

Designation: National Monument

Location: Georgia

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

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.

🌤 Weather Information

Savannah has a humid sub tropical climate with over two hundred days of sunshine each year. Summers are typically hot, bright and humid with afternoon thunderstorms common. Temperatures often range from the lower 70s to the mid 90s F. Spring and autumn can be quite pleasant with temperatures ranging from the upper 50s into the 80s F. The winter months are usually dry. Temperatures can be cooler than one would expect, ranging from the upper 30s through the 60s F generally, though sudden cold snaps can occur.

🚗 Directions

From Interstate I-95, take Exit 99 onto Interstate I-16 East (James L Gillis Memorial Hwy) for 7 miles. Take Exit 164A onto Interstate I-516 East toward US-80 East. Take Exit 3 (US-17 S/US-80 E) toward US-80 East. Turn left onto Ocean Highway, Ogeechee Rd (US-17 N, US-80 East). Bear right onto West Victory Drive (US-80 East). Continue on US-80 East for 13 miles. GPS Coordinates for Fort Pulaski National Monument: N32° 01.680 W080° 53.525

Images

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

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

Credit: NPS Photo / Joel Cadoff

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

Fort Pulaski shows off its classic arched architecture and cannon.

Credit: NPS Photo / Joel Cadoff

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

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

Credit: NPS Photo / Joel Cadoff

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

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

Credit: NPS Photo / Joel Cadoff

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

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

Credit: NPS Photo / Joel Cadoff

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

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

Credit: NPS Photo / Joel Cadoff

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Monday
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday
9:00AM - 5:00PM

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Per Person
A per person fee of $10 is required to visit Fort Pulaski and the surrounding areas. Admission is valid for 7 consecutive days. Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Only available at the entrance station to Fort Pulaski National Monument. Credit/Debit Only
$10.00
Commercial Entrance - Per Person
Commercial bus/van tours are charged the per person fee for the number of persons on board.
$10.00

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park
The Fort Pulaski Annual Park Pass provides entry into Fort Pulaski National Monument for the pass holder and 3 other adults. The pass is valid for a year from the month of purchase. Each Fort Pulaski Annual Park Pass comes with one signature line for a single passholder.
$35.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Tuesday, Feb 17

Sunny

Sunny

High: 52.2°F | Low: 46.4°F

Humidity: 87%

Wind: 9.4 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.2

Sunrise: 07:04 AM

Sunset: 06:11 PM

Moon: New Moon (0%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 46.7°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, Feb 18

Partly Cloudy

Partly Cloudy

High: 57.9°F | Low: 49.3°F

Humidity: 92%

Wind: 12.5 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.1

Sunrise: 07:03 AM

Sunset: 06:12 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (0%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 53°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Feb 19

Overcast

Overcast

High: 58.5°F | Low: 54.3°F

Humidity: 93%

Wind: 12.5 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1

Sunrise: 07:02 AM

Sunset: 06:13 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (3%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 54.5°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Portion of McQueen’s Island Trail Closed
Effective immediately, the Chatham County Parks & Recreation Department has closed the west end of the McQueen’s Island Trail and the mid-point parking lot for construction work.

More Info

Fort Pulaski Entrance Fees are Credit/Debit Only Information
The park is no longer accepting cash for entrance fees. Credit and debit cards are the only method of payment currently being accepted.
Picnic Area Trail Closed Danger
Picnic Area Trail is closed from the North Pier Trail to the Picnic Area due to a partially fallen tree. Please avoid the area.
The North Shoreline is Closed Information
The shoreline is closed permanently for resource protection and visitor safety.
Fort Pulaski Delayed Opening on Sunday February 1, 2026 Park Closure
Due to projected winter weather, Fort Pulaski National Monument will delay opening until 12:00 PM on Sunday February 1, 2026.
The North Shoreline is Closed Information
The shoreline is closed permanently for resource protection and visitor safety.
Fort Pulaski Demilune Temporarily Closed Information
Due to temporary standing water, Fort Pulaski's Demilune is closed until further notice. Park staff will reopen the area after assessments and mitigations are completed.
Fort Pulaski Demilune Temporarily Closed Information
Due to temporary standing water, Fort Pulaski's Demilune is closed until further notice. Park staff will reopen the area after assessments and mitigations are completed.
Wildlife Alert Caution
Currently, there is an alligator in the fort's moat. Please use caution and be alert when walking around the moat and fort entrance. Do not approach any alligator or allow children or pets to do so. Do not get between an alligator and a water source.
Paving Preservation Work at Fort Pulaski Caution
Pavement preservation work on park roads will take place at Fort Pulaski National Monument during the Summer of 2025. Slow down and watch for signage while visiting the park to help ensure visitor and staff safety.
Fort Pulaski Entrance Fees are Credit/Debit Only Information
The park is no longer accepting cash for entrance fees. Credit and debit cards are the only method of payment currently being accepted.

Park Events

Ranger Talk at Fort Pulaski

Why is there a fort on Cockspur Island? Who built it? How did they build it? What happened at this fort during the American Civil War?

Join a National Park Service ranger or volunteer for a ranger talk inside Fort Pulaski to learn answers to questions like these! Ranger talk programs last for approximately 30 minutes and cover a range of information about Fort Pulaski's history, as well as information about the natural and cultural heritage of Cockspur Island.

Location: Ranger Talks at Fort Pulaski take place inside of historic Fort Pulaski daily. These programs typically begin in the fort's parade ground, but start locations vary based on weather conditions. Call the Fort Pulaski National Monument Visitor Center (912-219-4233) for more information.

Date: Nov 13, 2025 12:00am to Nov 13, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Ranger Talk at Fort Pulaski

Why is there a fort on Cockspur Island? Who built it? How did they build it? What happened at this fort during the American Civil War?

Join a National Park Service ranger or volunteer for a ranger talk inside Fort Pulaski to learn answers to questions like these! Ranger talk programs last for approximately 30 minutes and cover a range of information about Fort Pulaski's history, as well as information about the natural and cultural heritage of Cockspur Island.

Location: Ranger Talks at Fort Pulaski take place inside of historic Fort Pulaski daily. These programs typically begin in the fort's parade ground, but start locations vary based on weather conditions. Call the Fort Pulaski National Monument Visitor Center (912-219-4233) for more information.

Date: Nov 13, 2025 12:00am to Nov 13, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Candle Lantern Holiday Tours
Mark your calendars - it's almost Candle Lantern time at Fort Pulaski National Monument! Experience a unique visit during this annual festive event by exploring historic Fort Pulaski by candlelight, firelight, and oil lamps on December 12-13.   Candle Lantern will take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with last entry at 7 p.m. Visitors can sample holiday refreshments, enjoy decorations, listen to performers, interact with living historians, and even catch a night-time cannon firing, all while learning about Fort Pulaski’s past. Cannon demonstrations will take place at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m.   Standard park entry fees will apply for this event. For more information, please call the visitor center during business hours at 912-219-4233, email fopu_information@nps.gov, or send us a direct message. We hope to see you at the park for this annual tradition!

Location: Candle Lantern Holiday Tours will take place inside Historic Fort Pulaski.

Date: Dec 12, 2025 12:00am to Dec 12, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Free Entry at Fort Pulaski!
In celebration of Super Museum Sunday, Fort Pulaski is free and open to the public during normal visiting hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) on Sunday February 8, 2026.  

Date: Feb 8, 2026 12:00am to Feb 8, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Cannon Firing Demonstrations at Fort Pulaski

Cannon demonstrations are a great way to learn about the weapons that were used to attack and defend historic Fort Pulaski during the American Civil War.

Experience the roar of cannon fire while Park Rangers narrate the firing process and provide a short program about the 1862 bombardment that breached Fort Pulaski's walls, changing the history of fortifications.

These programs are free, but cannon demonstrations at Fort Pulaski are subject to change based on weather and staff availability.

Location: Cannon demonstrations will take place inside Fort Pulaski. Parking is available at the Fort Pulaski National Monument Visitor Center (101 Fort Pulaski Road, Savannah GA 31410).

Date: Feb 16, 2026 12:00am to Feb 16, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Free Entry at Fort Pulaski!
In celebration of Presidents Day, Fort Pulaski is free and open to the public during normal visiting hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) on Monday, February 16, 2026.  

Date: Feb 16, 2026 12:00am to Feb 16, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Free Entry at Fort Pulaski!
In celebration of March Haynes Community Day, Fort Pulaski is free and open to the public during normal visiting hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) on Saturday March 7, 2026.  

Date: Mar 7, 2026 12:00am to Mar 7, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Cannon Firing Demonstrations at Fort Pulaski

Join park staff and volunteers as we commemorate the Anniversary of the April 1862 Bombardment of Fort Pulaski!

Cannon demonstrations are a great way to learn about the weapons that were used to attack and defend historic Fort Pulaski during the American Civil War. Experience the roar of cannon fire while Park Rangers narrate the firing process and provide a short program about the 1862 bombardment that breached Fort Pulaski's walls, changing the history of fortifications.

These programs are free, but standard park entry fees apply. Cannon demonstrations at Fort Pulaski are subject to change based on weather and staff availability.

Location: Cannon demonstrations will take place inside Fort Pulaski. Parking is available at the Fort Pulaski National Monument Visitor Center (101 Fort Pulaski Road, Savannah GA 31410).

Date: Mar 28, 2026 12:00am to Mar 28, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Cannon Firing Demonstrations at Fort Pulaski

Join park staff and volunteers as we commemorate the Anniversary of the April 1862 Bombardment of Fort Pulaski!

Cannon demonstrations are a great way to learn about the weapons that were used to attack and defend historic Fort Pulaski during the American Civil War. Experience the roar of cannon fire while Park Rangers narrate the firing process and provide a short program about the 1862 bombardment that breached Fort Pulaski's walls, changing the history of fortifications.

These programs are free, but standard park entry fees apply. Cannon demonstrations at Fort Pulaski are subject to change based on weather and staff availability.

Location: Cannon demonstrations will take place inside Fort Pulaski. Parking is available at the Fort Pulaski National Monument Visitor Center (101 Fort Pulaski Road, Savannah GA 31410).

Date: Apr 10, 2026 12:00am to Apr 10, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Cannon Firing Demonstrations at Fort Pulaski

Cannon demonstrations are a great way to learn about the weapons that were used to attack and defend historic Fort Pulaski during the American Civil War.

Experience the roar of cannon fire while Park Rangers narrate the firing process and provide a short program about the 1862 bombardment that breached Fort Pulaski's walls, changing the history of fortifications.

These programs are free, but standard park entry fees apply. Cannon demonstrations at Fort Pulaski are subject to change based on weather and staff availability.

Location: Cannon demonstrations will take place inside Fort Pulaski. Parking is available at the Fort Pulaski National Monument Visitor Center (101 Fort Pulaski Road, Savannah GA 31410).

Date: May 23, 2026 12:00am to May 23, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
101 Fort Pulaski Road
Fort Pulaski Visitor Center
Savannah, GA 31410

🏤 Mailing Address:
41 Cockspur Island Road
Savannah, GA 31410

📞 Voice Phone: (912) 219-4233

✉️ Email: fopu_information@nps.gov

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
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