October 10, 2021

October 10, 2021

From Savannah, we drove south along the Savannah River to its mouth to visit Fort Pulaski National Monument. Fort Pulaski was one of many built after the British burned Washington DC in the War of 1812, to defend our coastline and major ports. At the onset of the Civil War the Rebels seized it. Fort Pulaski is a large state-of-the-art brick structure that was considered impregnable. The Civil War brought loads of new technology including new Rifled Cannon. Rifling allowed straighter and more powerful projectiles. After one day of bombardment, one corner was breached and the South surrendered.

Having watched the park film last night, we toured the small Visitor Center and then circled the fort exterior. The breached corner has been repaired but cannon holes still scar that entire side of the fort. It is surrounded by a moat like Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas. We then toured the large well-preserved interior spaces. We finished with a walk out to the historic North Pier just as a large Container Ship passes down the river channel.

We drove back towards Savannah stopping at Wormsloe State Historic Site. Wormsloe was a plantation owned by Noble Jones, one of the original colonists that settled here with the Georgia Colony founder James Oglethorpe. After passing the entry gate we drive down a beautiful mile-long Live Oak canopy.

Our first stop is the Visitor Center to learn about the early founding of the Georgia Colony. Oglethorpe envisioned it as a fresh start for the 'deserving poor' of Britain. We then walk out to see the ruins of Noble Jones' fortified house. Every house had to be fortified because of conflicts with the nearby Spanish colony of Florida. It was constructed of Tabby, a concrete made from seashells. We passed by an early colonial exhibit intending to head for the car. Instead we ended up on a three-mile wilderness trail. Aimee said we could use the extra exercise.

We then drove into the historic section of Savannah. I had to let Aimee do some window-shopping to compensate for our several fort visits. We had a late lunch at Paula Dean’s restaurant, The Lady and Sons. Because of Covid, the buffet meal is delivered to our table. It was fun, but the food was just okay. We then walked off the huge meal portions strolling along the old Savannah riverfront. It is still lined with old warehouses repurposed as bars and stores.