Fort McAllister (1)

 (1861-1865) - A Confederate U.S. Civil War Coastal Fort established in 1861 by Captain John McCrady, Confederate Engineers to protect Savannah, Georgia. Located along the Great Ogeechee River, near Savannah. Named after the family of Colonel Joseph L. McAllister. Captured by Union forces in 1864 by the forces of Union General William T. Sherman in his march to the sea. Maintained as a Union prison until the end of the war.

History
Established by Confederate forces as a part of the Confederate U.S. Civil War Harbor Defense of Savannah. This was an earthworks fortification built in 1861 on the plantation of Confederate Lieutenant Colonel Joseph L. McAllister. The fort was built to prevent access to Savannah by Union naval forces and successfully held off Union bombardments from seaward. The earthworks construction enabled the quick repair of damage caused by the bombardments. Fort McAllister was armed with 11 large-caliber siege guns, 12 field pieces, and one 10" mortar. The fort successfully held off seven Union attacks until an assault was mounted from the land side on 13 Dec 1864 by the forces of Union General William T. Sherman in his march to the sea. The fort had not been constructed to hold off a full-scale attack from the land side and it fell after a 15‑minute battle.

The fort was maintained as a prison by Union forces for captured Confederate troops until the end of the war.

Current Status
Now a part of Fort McAllister Historic State Park, Bryan County, Georgia. Period guns, carriages, and magazines in place. Must See.

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Sources:
 * , page 228.

Links:
 * North American Forts - Fort McAllister
 * Wikipedia - Fort McAllister
 * Georgia Encyclopedia - Fort McAllister
 * Georgia State Parks - Fort McAllister
 * Flag Returns to Fort McAllister