Fort Pulaski, located on Cockspur Island just outside of Historic Savannah, Georgia, stands as a reminder of a turning point in military history. With the War of 1812 in mind, The United States government arranged for defense of major ports on the nation’s coast against invasion. The construction of Fort Pulaski was a component of east coast fortifications because it defended Savannah’s port, an economy-sustaining port. Officials saw the importance of Savannah’s port and the necessity for a fort overlooking its harbors. Today, Fort Pulaski stands as a tourist attraction and is a reminder of the failures of the Confederacy defense of Savannah. Named after the American Revolution war Hero, Count Casimir Pulaski, construction on the fort started in 1829. A ‘cockspur’ is a plant with long, nasty thorns amed for the extensive effort that was put into construction. The chosen location of the fort is intriguing considering that Cockspur Island is a swampy landmass barely harder than a reef and separates the Savannah River into a respective North Channel and South …show more content…
They reached Fort Pulaski by noon with flags waving and drums beating. They literally walked into the fort, took formal possession of it, and raised Georgia’s flag with proper salutes. They never stumbled upon any sort of resistance. The Governor ordered Lawton to hold off all invasive forces in order to defend Savannah. However, Fort Pulaski was in no condition to be defended. Mud filled the surrounding moat, rusted guns had to be remounted, and men had to be trained. Communication lines were established by way of a telegraph line between Savannah and Cockspur Island. Forts erected on Hilton Head Island and Tybee Island in order to defend Fort Pulaski. In due time, defenses were improved, but not at 100%. By this time, Colonel Charles H. Olmstead took command of