Fort McAllister – War Was Here

Fort. McAllister protected the Ogeechee River with these heavy guns. General Sherman needed supplies and in order for the Union Navy to reach Sherman, the Fort had to be captured.

Earthworks and artillery protecting the side of the fort vulnerable to attack by land.

The structures in the fort were primarily earthen mounds that housed a variety of things, like this hotshot furnace.

One of the earthen mounds was the powder magazine and storage area, others served as bunk rooms.

Looking west and across the Ogeechee River. General Sherman watched the assault from the tower of a rice mill just across the river.

Looking downstream, east, from the site of King’s Bridge toward Fort McAllister.

A modern bridge stands where the original bridge was on U.S. 17 at the Ogeechee River. It was here that Sherman had his engineers build a 1000′ foot long wharf in order to bring in supplies from the Union Navy. A community park and boat ramp are now at the site.

In 2014 I was fortunate enough to be able to photograph the reenactment of the assault on Fort McAllister. It took place at the original location on the actual anniversary. Here, a Confederate cannon fires on the approaching Federals.