Fort James Jackson

The origins of the complex date back to 1776, when residents of Savannah erected a small fort to protect against naval attacks during the American Revolutionary War. However, this was abandoned as early as 1778. In view of growing tensions between Great Britain and the USA at the beginning of the 19th century, the original fort was demolished in 1808, and the current Fort Jackson was built on the same site, named after James Jackson. Construction was completed at the outbreak of the War of 1812. During this war, the fort was continuously occupied and successfully repelled an attack by Union troops in October 1862. In December 1864, the city of Savannah and its associated forts were surrendered without a fight to General Sherman, who then occupied the facility. After 1905, the fort was decommissioned and is now one of only five surviving fortifications from the so-called “Second System” phase of American coastal defense. Since February 16, 2000, it has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

Fort James Jackson is situated in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia, USA, directly on the Savannah River. Its elevation is approximately 3 meters above sea level.

Visitors can explore Fort James Jackson today. Inside, a museum is housed, illuminating the history of the complex and the region.

• Fort Pulaski (fortification), approx. 15.1 km away
• Fort King George (fortification), approx. 87.4 km away
• Fort Frederica (fortification), approx. 101.0 km away
• Fort Sumter (Charleston) (fortification), approx. 132.1 km away